BEIRUT (Sputnik) — Islamic State (ISIL) militants have executed over 500 people in the Iraqi city of Ramadi in the past two days, local news outlet Erem News reported Sunday quoting Vice-Chairman of Anbar Provincial Council Faleh Issawi.
“Islamic State militants the day before yesterday seized the major and the most important part of Ramadi, and executed 503 civilians. A half of the deceased were women and children,” Erem News quoted Issawi as saying.
The official claimed that the government forces are currently attempting to regain control over the city, including the government buildings in the city center.
A US-led anti-ISIL coalition has helped the government troops by attacking the militants’ positions and thus easing the way for the army, Issawi added.
Islamic State is a Sunni jihadist group that in 2014 captured vast territories in Iraq and Syria, proclaiming caliphate on the lands that have fallen under its control. The group is notorious for its brutal methods, including mass executions.
The US-led coalition has been carrying airstrikes against ISIL militants in Iraq and Syria for over half a year.
