Part 23
Abu Hajjar al-Kurdi
The Untold Stories of Tikrit
Following the occupation of Tikrit by ISIS and the subsequent crimes committed under its control, the city became a focal point for sectarian revenge at the hands of Shiite militias and the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF, also known as al-Hashd al-Shaabi). This marked the beginning of a profoundly difficult and painful chapter for the city’s Sunni population, particularly after these Iranian-backed forces seized control of this strategically important region.
ISIS’s actions were deliberately designed to foment discord, hatred, and hostility among Iraq’s various communities, including between Sunnis and Shiites, Sunnis and Yazidis, and Sunnis and Christians. These divisive tactics ultimately served the objectives of those intent on deepening sectarian conflict and social fragmentation.
The operation to recapture Tikrit began in March 2015 as part of a broader Iraqi military campaign aimed at liberating territories seized by ISIS. The offensive involved the Iraqi army, the PMF, and foreign advisors, particularly from the United States. Tikrit was officially declared free from ISIS control in April 2015. However, the events that followed raised serious concerns regarding human rights violations, war crimes, and sectarian reprisals against Sunni civilians.
The tragedy that unfolded in Tikrit and other Sunni-majority areas following ISIS’s defeat was both immense and unforgivable. Nevertheless, responsibility for these crimes does not lie with the Shiite sect as a whole. Rather, the principal culprits were ideological extremists, including those within ISIS and those who exploited the conflict as an opportunity for sectarian revenge.
The following analytical overview outlines the key events and consequences:
1. The Prelude to Tikrit’s Recapture
In June 2014, ISIS swiftly captured several major Iraqi cities, including Mosul and Tikrit. In response, the Iraqi government launched a series of military campaigns to reclaim these areas, relying heavily on the PMF, which consisted primarily of Iran-supported Shiite militias.
The campaign to recapture Tikrit began in March 2015. It included significant participation from the PMF, the Iraqi army, and international advisors. Tikrit was retaken the following month.
2. PMF Atrocities Following the Recapture of Tikrit
Despite the declared victory over ISIS, the conduct of PMF forces in the aftermath drew sharp domestic and international criticism. Numerous credible reports accused them of widespread retaliatory actions targeting the Sunni population. These actions included:
a) Extrajudicial Executions and Sectarian Killings
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International documented multiple cases in which Sunni civilians were unlawfully detained, tortured, and executed. In the areas surrounding Tikrit, many individuals were killed on accusations of collaborating with ISIS, often without credible evidence or due legal process.
b) Looting and Destruction of Property
Hundreds of Sunni homes were looted, burned, or destroyed. Personal property, including household goods, vehicles, marketplaces, and even mosques, was reportedly seized or vandalized by PMF forces.
c) Targeting of Sunni Mosques
Several Sunni mosques in Tikrit and nearby villages were either set on fire or destroyed using explosives. These acts were widely regarded as sectarian in nature, intended to intimidate and forcibly displace the Sunni community.
d) Prevention of Return for Displaced Sunni Residents
Even after the military operations ended, many Sunni families were barred from returning to their homes. PMF-controlled areas effectively became exclusion zones, worsening the plight of displaced civilians and further destabilizing the region.
3. Domestic and International Reactions
Domestic Response
Prominent Iraqi Sunni political figures, including Osama al-Nujaifi, condemned the atrocities in Tikrit. Complaints were filed in the Iraqi Parliament demanding accountability from PMF leadership. However, the dominant influence of Shiite factions hindered meaningful investigation or prosecution.
International Response
Leading human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International called for independent and transparent investigations into the reported abuses. The Iraqi government, however, often dismissed or attempted to justify these findings, and in many cases obstructed independent inquiries.
4. Broader Implications and Analysis
The recapture of Tikrit by the PMF clearly demonstrated how anti-ISIS operations were exploited to pursue sectarian agendas. Rather than focusing on the protection of civilians and adherence to the rule of law, the aftermath revealed a systematic campaign of revenge that deepened sectarian divisions and undermined Sunni trust in the central government.
These violations alienated large segments of the Sunni population and contributed to the radicalization of some youth, drawing them toward extremist or opposition groups. Analysts have identified these injustices as a significant factor contributing to the persistence of sectarian violence in post-ISIS Iraq.