Iraqi Shia Muslims facing massacre by ISIL in Amerli: UN

The residents of this small Shia Turkmen community about 180 km (110 miles) north of Baghdad have been living under the ISIL siege for more than two months.

"The situation of the people in Amerli is desperate and demands immediate action to prevent the possible massacre of its citizens," UN Iraq envoy, Nickolay Mladenov, said in a statement. The UN official noted that a severe humanitarian crisis is unfolding in the region.

"I urge the Iraqi government to do all it can to relieve the siege and to ensure that the residents receive lifesaving humanitarian assistance or are evacuated in a dignified manner," the statement read, adding.

"Iraq's allies and the international community should work with the authorities to prevent a human rights tragedy." This comes as Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Haider al-Abadi has promised aid for the town. He has called on the army to send forces and logistical support to Amerli.

On Friday, Ayatollah Sistani expressed concern over the plight of about 20,000 people who are surrounded by the ISIL in the volatile town. The top cleric called on all Iraqis to confront ISIL militants, stressing that defending Iraq against the terrorist groups is a “big honor.” ISIL terrorists have threatened all communities, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds, Christians, Izadi Kurds and others, as they continue their advances in Iraq.

Several gruesome video footages were released, purportedly showing members of the ISIL Takfiri terror group brutally killing Shia Muslims in drive-by shootings in Iraq. The terrorist group has links with Saudi intelligence and are believed to be indirectly supported by the Israeli regime. Senior Iraqi officials have blamed Saudi Arabia, Qatar and some Persian Gulf Arab states for the growing terrorism in their country. HK