UN: More than 8,000 people killed in Iraq since early 2014
8493 is the death toll of Iraqis killed in violent attacks in 2014 so far.
Half of this number is those killed during the months of June, July, and August, marking the period of ISIL’s advance in northern Iraq. Though this number is quite the shocker, it only includes those whose deaths have been documented by the UN. According to the UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Flavia Pansieri the precise figure is much higher and with ISIL’s continuing to commit atrocities which could count as crimes against humanity the situation is only getting worse. In addition to countless number of atrocities, genocide against minorities, establishment of slave markets, and displacement of around two million Iraqis, Iraq’s cultural heritage has also come under ISIL’s attack. The terror group has destroyed the tombs of Jonah, George and Daniel, the grave of Ibn al- Athir-a 12th and 13th century historiographer-and 45 churches in Iraq’s northern Mosul. The oldest church in the Middle East, the “Green Church” which finds its roots back to the 7th century, has been destroyed as well. The UN has recently declared that it will dispatch an investigation team to probe ISIL’s crimes in Iraq. The UN Security Council has recently adopted a unanimous resolution condemning violent extremism and underscoring the need to travel and support for foreign fighters. US President Barack Obama has also declared that some 15,000 foreign militants have joined ISIL in Syria in recent months. 2013 was declared a year of carnage in Iraq with 8295 lives lost to deadly terror attacks. The death toll this year has already exceeded last year’s total and 2014 is not over yet!
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