Scores of Kurdish Yazidis released from ISIS captivity

KIRKUK, Kirkuk province - Scores of Kurdish Yazidis have arrived in southern Kirkuk province after being released from capture by the Islamic State, according to a Rudaw reporter on the scene. 

“Eighty Kurdish Yazidis, the majority of them elderly or children, have arrived in Humayria village,” Hunar Ahmed said on Wednesday, adding that another 136 more refugees are expected to join them soon.  

This is at least the second group of Kurdish Yazidis freed by the Islamic State since January. The extremists have allowed at least 200 Yazidis to depart regions under their control.

“The people are from Shingal. They had been relocated to Tal Afar and later to Mosul until finally released on Wednesday. The refugees are generally in good health and doctors are on the scene to help," Ahmed said.

ISIS attacked Kurdish Yezidi villages in northern Iraq in July, forcing many residents to take refuge in the Kurdistan region and neighboring Turkey.

Those left behind have described horrific scenes of Yezidi Kurds mercilessly lined up and murdered, then buried in the mass graves. The extent of the suffering is still unknown.