Kidnappings in Iraq doubled in 2014

The Human Rights Commission in Iraq has said that the number of kidnappings in the country doubled in 2014, with 4,583 incidents occurring over the year.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Iraqi Council of Representatives on Tuesday, Fadel al-Ghraoui, a member of the non-governmental commission, said these kidnappings were aimed at “instilling fear into the Iraqi people”.

He added that the perpetrators frequently use motorcycles in their operations, kidnapping male and female students from in front of their schools.

The perpetrators are often gangs affiliated with ISIL or other gangs specialized in organized crime.

The kidnappings are typically committed for financial reasons with ransoms demanded, or target members of the army, security forces or those from different sectarian backgrounds.