On Thursday, 16 June 2016, there were reports of tortures and human right violations committed by militias of Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF, or also known as Hashd al-Shaabi) against civilians who were fleeing Fallujah. According to news source Aljazeera, 3 men claimed that they were tortured by militias during their escape from Fallujah. Their stories and allegations allude to an additional risk for civilians who are escaping from Fallujah.

PMF consist of various militias who have been aiding Iraqi armed forces to fight against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, or also known as ISIS) and reclaim Fallujah.        

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has initiated an investigation and issued arrest warrants against some fighters who are suspected of having violated human rights during past operations. While neither final confirmation on allegations against militias of PMF nor details on arrested fighters are yet available, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and United Nations (UN) have already expressed their support and concerns for said allegations.

Read more, visit:

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/06/iraq-civilians-recall-days-hell-militia-160616060343081.html
http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/crime/article/Aid-group-4-000-more-flee-IS-held-city-of-8095181.php
https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/06/09/iraq-fallujah-abuses-test-control-militias