According to a report by the Human Rights Watch, Iraqi forces destroyed villages after breaking Daesh's siege in the neighborhoods around Amerli in Salahuddin and Kirkuk provinces, reports AFP.
The report stated, "following the operations to end the Amerli siege, pro-government militias and volunteer fighters as well as Iraqi security forces raided Sunni villages and neighbourhoods around Amerli in Salahuddin and Kirkuk provinces."
"During the raids, militiamen, volunteer fighters and Iraqi security forces looted possessions of civilians who fled fighting during the onslaught on Amerli, burned homes and businessess of the villages' Sunni residents," said the New York-based human rights organization.
According to AFP, the report also stated that Iraqi forces used explosives and other heavy equipment to destroy buildings and entire villages.
Iraqi forces launched a military offensive against Daesh in Salahuddin province in early March. Backed by Iran and Shi'ite militia, the Iraqi military attacked Daesh from all sides, focusing on penetrating the strategic city of Tikrit.
The military offensive forced hundreds of civilians to flee their homes. On March 16th, the military operation was put on hold to allow for families to flee the violence.
