Over 40,000 Civilians Killed in Mosul Battle: Ex-Iraqi Minister



ERBIL-

During the nine months of the battle to retake Mosul from the Islamic State (IS), more than 40,000 civilians were killed by the parties to the war, as stated by the former Iraqi finance minister, Hoshyar Zebari.
The Independent newspaper on Friday published an exclusive interview with Zebari, a Kurd from Mosul, where the official revealed the latest figures on civilian causalities in Mosul on the basis of reports by Kurdistan intelligence service.

The report indicated that the figures provided by Zebari are far higher than the previously announced estimates. However, the report reputed Kurdistan intelligence for "being extremely accurate and well-informed."

There are many bodies which are still buried under the rubble, Zebari told The Independent, describing the volume of human suffering in the city as "immense."

The civilians were killed by IS snipers and members as they tried to escape Mosul. They were also killed during the airstrikes by the Iraqi and coalition forces and by the artillery and rocket fire against the IS hideouts and residences.

Zebari stated "Kurdish intelligence believes that over 40,000 civilians have been killed as a result of massive firepower used against them, especially by the federal police, air strikes and IS itself."
In another part of the interview, Zebari cited Kurdish intelligence reports on corruption among the Iraqi military forces which prevents suppressing the extremists in the city.

According to the intelligence reports, IS suspects can pass through military checkpoint by paying bribes to the Iraqi forces.

Zebari accused the 16th and 9th divisions of the Iraqi army and the Tribal Volunteers (Hashd al-Ashairi) of taking bribe. According to the report an IS suspect can pass through checkpoints after paying 1,000 USD and can bring a vehicle for 1,500 USD.

The former Iraqi official also pointed out that the corruption has made the civilians in Mosul get reluctant about reporting IS suspects and members.
Zebari stated the civilians see the IS members they identified return to the streets and can execute those who informed against them.

The report indicated that the same fear has pushed many soldiers who are not involved in bribery nets to execute IS members in prisons or throw them from high buildings.
Zebari said the corruption among Iraqi army units is not confined to receiving bribes from the IS. The people have to pay the militias and army 100 USD for removing a body from the rubble and 500 USD for returning to their own house.


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