Increasing numbers of Iraqis die fleeing IS

Growing numbers of Iraqis fleeing the Islamic State group, many who are children or the elderly, are facing deadly ambushes and treacherous mountain roads, said the UN human rights office on 28 July.

"We have received reports that suggest a violent clampdown on people who are attempting to flee IS-controlled areas in Iraq, particularly through the Hamrin mountain chain in northeast Iraq" and onto Tikrit, Al-Alam and Kirkuk, Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, told reporters in Geneva.

At least four families died earlier this month after trying to make the journey without a guide and with limited supplies, said Shamdasani.

Reportedly, the journey takes eight to 12 hours in hot weather and passes through uninhabited areas that lacks signs or paved roads.

There are also reports families have been abducted by IS en route to Tikrit and Al-Alam.

"IS gunmen have also begun to set ambushes for people fleeing and IS snipers have reportedly attacked and killed those caught.

"In one incident, three taxi drivers were reportedly executed between 10 and 12 July in Shirqat, purportedly for assisting residents in making the passage through Hamrin," according to the OHCHR.

There are also reports families have been abducted by IS en route to Tikrit and Al-Alam.

"Any intentional direct attack against civilians is considered a serious violation of international humanitarian law," the human rights spokesperson said.

"All parties must ensure that civilians are protected, that they have unhindered access to medical facilities and humanitarian assistance, and that they are able to leave areas affected by violence – safely and with dignity."

Shamdasani said the militant group uses "despicable" violence against anyone opposed to its ideology or rule.

For example, on 20 July IS reportedly publicly killed an Imam in western Mosul for allegedly criticising the group. Earlier this month four other Imams were reportedly executed for performing tarweed prayers, which are not authorised by IS.

OHCHR also reported that civilian casualties across the country had increased due to a growing number of car bombs and gun attacks.