IS cracks down on western Iraqi town after protest
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 30 August 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, IS cracks down on western Iraqi town after protest, 30 August 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/561d03d2e.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 30, 2015
Islamic State (IS) militants have detained at least 70 people in a western Iraqi town in an effort to crush public dissent against the extremist group.
The move by the IS came after a rare street demonstration in Rutbah on August 29 against the militants, who control the town in Anbar Province.
Along with the detentions, dozens of others – including local tribal leaders – were reportedly tied to streetlight poles as punishment for allowing the protest to be held.
The demonstration by hundreds of people occurred after IS militants executed a local resident, Munir al-Kobeisi, who reportedly killed an IS gunmen.
Kobeisi's killing, the demonstration, and the subsequent crackdown on the protesters was confirmed by Eid Amash, a spokesman for Anbar's provincial government.
Residents of Rutbah are concerned that those detained by IS militants will be executed.
Meanwhile, Iraqi officials said a roadside bomb on August 29 had struck a border-guard convoy near the Trebil crossing on the Jordanian border, killing five Iraqi soldiers.
Officials added that two roadside bombs killed five others and injured 19 more at separate locations outside of Baghdad on August 29.
Based on reporting by AP and Indianexpress.com
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
