New reports indicate that hundreds or possibly thousands of members of Iraqs Kurdish Izadi minority escaping ISIL militants remain abandoned on top of Sinjar Mountain.This is while Washington has claimed that its operation there against the Takfiri terrorists earlier this month was a success. Because of the skill and professionalism of our military, and the generosity of our efforts, we broke the [Isis] siege of Mount Sinjar, we helped vulnerable people reach safety, and we helped save many innocent lives, US President Barack Obama said on August 14.
According to a report by The Guardian, which was based on satellite imagery and interviews, most of those stranded are said to be sick and old.
Figures estimated by the Pentagon in mid-August show that 4,000 to 5,000 people remained on Sinjar in fear of being killed by ISIL militants.
Meanwhile, Izadi members fighting the ISIL militants say they need weapons to defend themselves.
Other members say they never received any US aid.
Reports show that all US airstrikes on the mountain hit below its southern, southwestern, and southeastern areas, where militants had positioned themselves.
Analysts say that people on the mountains southern slope appear to be stranded.
Since early this year, Iraq has been facing a growing militancy by the Takfiri ISIL terror group and its allied militants, who have taken over areas in the countrys west and north. The crisis has deteriorated since June, when the ISIL declared a so-called caliphate in the territories they have seized.
The ISIL terrorists have also threatened other communities, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds, Christians, and others, in Iraq. They have been committing heinous crimes in the areas they have taken, including the mass execution of civilians as well as Iraqi army troops and officers.
The Iraqi army, backed by Kurdish forces and thousands of volunteers, is engaged in fierce fighting with the ISIL militants to push them out of the captured areas.
By Press TV
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