Iraq declares Turkmen killings by Daesh as ‘massacre’

By Haydar Hadi

BAGHDAD (AA) - Iraqi parliament Thursday adopted a resolution declaring the killings of Turkmen by Daesh terrorists as a “massacre”.

In a news conference, Turkmen lawmaker Niyaz Nimaroglu said the resolution was unanimously approved by the parliament.

The atrocities committed against Turkmen in Tal Afar and Taza Khurmatu towns are now recognized on both national and international level.

In June 2014, the Daesh had captured Tal Afar -- located around 80 kilometers (50 miles) west of Mosul -- and killed numerous Turkmen in the organized attacks.

On March 9, 2016, the terrorist group attacked Taza Khurmatu -- located around 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Kirkuk -- with mortar cannons that reportedly included chemical weapons.

Three Turkmen were killed and hundreds of others injured in the attack.

* Ali Murat Alhas contributed to this report from Ankara.