Torture, beatings and electric shocks: Iraqi prisoners speak about captivity under ISIS

Iraqi prisoners who were rescued from ISIS last week have spoken of their treatment at the hands of the militants.

A video, released by the Kurdistan Region Security Council, shows the captives talking about their time in jail.

"Torture techniques included electric shocks, plastic bags over the head, beatings with a cable and a piece of wood - torture that no human may have ever witnessed," said Saad Khelef Ali Feraj, a police officer from Hawija.

"My brother, who was an officer, was taken and beheaded. They gave me only his head, without his body. I buried his head."

This latest film follows another video apparently showing footage of the raid between US and Kurdish forces which led to the release of the 69 prisoners. The day before the raid, the jihadis told the captives they were to be executed and gave them the night to write letters to the loved ones.

"It was 1.30am, I was writing a letter to give to any prisoner to give to my family," said Saad. "At exactly 2am Counter Terrorism forces of Kurdistan Region and US Special Forces arrived and rescued us from ISIS."

"I am sending this message to my family from here to tell them I'm in the Kurdistan Region. God willing, I will return to my family as soon as possible. I can't describe how I feel. I was dead."

Another victim, Akram Hussen Mohammed Zahir, described how he was tortured nearly everyday.

"They took you before a judge who ordered another investigation (torture)," he explained.

"Same questions asked every day and beatings repeated. Look at my foot to see how I was tortured. They also broke my teeth.

"When they (ISIS) would come to take us for interrogation, they'd cover our eyes and tie us with handcuffs,' he said.

"First thing they did was pour water over us, then they'd use electric shocks. We had to say something. Torture would continue unless there was a confession.

"A confession, however, meant execution. A bag would be placed over the head until loss of consciousness. Electric shocks were then used on the neck and nose. After regaining consciousness the same questions would be asked. Not answering would lead to the same torture."

Other prisoners told of how they had not seen daylight in over five months of captivity.

The raid was among the most significant carried out against ISIS. Six jihadis are said to have been arrested and more than 20 killed.

One US soldier, Special Forces Master Sergeant Joshua Wheeler, was also killed in the raid. He is the first American casualty to have died while fighting ISIS.

related articles
ISIS executes 19-year-old Syrian by running him over with a tank
ISIS executes 19-year-old Syrian by running him over with a tank

ISIS executes 19-year-old Syrian by running him over with a tank

ISIS claims deady suicide attack on mosque in Saudi Arabia
ISIS claims deady suicide attack on mosque in Saudi Arabia

ISIS claims deady suicide attack on mosque in Saudi Arabia

'My captivity was like being born again': Catholic priest who miraculously escaped ISIS speaks out

'My captivity was like being born again': Catholic priest who miraculously escaped ISIS speaks out

ISIS \'blows up three men tied to Roman columns\' in Palmyra
ISIS 'blows up three men tied to Roman columns' in Palmyra

ISIS 'blows up three men tied to Roman columns' in Palmyra

News
Scotland’s assisted suicide vote: a temporary victory?
Scotland’s assisted suicide vote: a temporary victory?

It will be interesting to see if the Scottish government goes down the route of investing in quality palliative care, or whether Liam McArthur's defeated assisted suicide bill is simply resurrected in another form.

Nick Timothy stands by criticism of Muslim prayer in Trafalgar Square
Nick Timothy stands by criticism of Muslim prayer in Trafalgar Square

Shadow justice minister Nick Timothy is standing by claims that a mass Islamic prayer in Trafalgar Square was “a declaration of domination” that should never be repeated.

Britain’s culture of giving is becoming more 'fragile' as donations fall
Britain’s culture of giving is becoming more 'fragile' as donations fall

A major new report from the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) has raised fresh concerns about the state of charitable giving in the UK, showing that total public donations fell sharply in 2025 as fewer people gave and average gifts became smaller.

UK urged to press Nigeria on violence against Christians during historic Tinubu visit
UK urged to press Nigeria on violence against Christians during historic Tinubu visit

A coalition of Christian and human rights organisations has called on the UK government to use President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Britain to press for stronger protections for Christians and other vulnerable communities in Nigeria, amid continuing concern over deadly attacks and weak accountability.