The US State Department said in a statement that Iran-backed militia were behind the killing of civilians in Salah al-Din governorate.
“The United States strongly condemns the massacre of innocent civilians by Iran-backed militias in Salah al-Din governorate,” said the statement published Monday.
Iraqi media reported on Saturday that “an unidentified militia group” killed at least 10 civilians after taking them as captive in Salahadin province, which according to Iraqi officials is under the control of Iran-backed Shiite militias of Hashd al-Shaabi.
“The Government of Iraq needs to immediately exert control over the Iran-backed militias who are lawlessly attacking religious and ethnic minorities, peaceful protesters and activists, political party headquarters, and diplomatic missions,” it added.
The State Department warned that such actions will have serious consequences for Iraq.
“The actions of these groups are preventing the international community from helping Iraq and are leading Iraq towards sectarian violence and instability,” said the statement.
