ERBIL, Kurdistan – The Islamic State has executed more than 130 retired Iraqi Army soldiers and former security officers in Mosul in a week-long purge of ex-soldiers suspected of potentially spying on the group’s movements and military bases, a well-placed source told Rudaw on Thursday.
“Over the past week, the bodies of 131 retired soldiers and security members have been transferred to the morgues of Mosul hospitals,” said the source.
In mid-April, the Islamic State killed hundreds of former military and police officers who were part of Iraqi security forces during the Baathis regime of former dictator Saddam Hussein’s Baathist regime, according to remarks by Iraqi Vice President Osama Nujaifi at a press conference held April 17.
The Islamic State, or ISIS, captured the city of Mosul in June 2014, overwhelming the defense forces and sending many fleeing their posts and leaving their weapons and uniforms behind.
Mosul was home to many senior officers in the former Iraqi Army during the time of Saddam.
