U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations Breaks Ground on the New U.S. Consulate Compound in Erbil, Iraq In a demonstration of enduring friendship and the important bilateral partnership, U.S. Ambassador Douglas A. Silliman and U.S. Consul General Ken Gross broke ground today on the new U.S. ...
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By U.S. Embassy in Baghdad | 6 July, 2018 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
Summer is our transition season, and we’ll soon be welcoming our new Public Affairs Officer Kim Strollo! She stopped by for a week in June to meet some of our key contacts in Erbil and Sulaimani, and is really looking forward to meeting all of you when she returns! While here, she was able to ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 27 June, 2017 | Topics:
Events, Public Affairs, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On June 22, Consul General Ken Gross had a lively discussion about political and economic developments in the Iraqi #Kurdistan Region with alumni and others at
The American University of Iraq – Sulaimani . What’s the most important thing you would want Consul General Gross to know about the region?
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 22 June, 2017 | Topics:
Consul General, Education, Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On June 10, U.S. Consul General Gross visited Peshmerga commander Sirwan Barzani at Black Tiger Camp. He praised the bravery and sacrifice of the Peshmerga and their cooperation with Iraqi Security Forces in the campaign to liberate Mosul from clutches of ISIS. How will your life change once Da’esh is defeated.
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 11 June, 2017 | Topics:
Consul General, Events, News, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On June 6, Consul General Ken Gross visited Erbil’s John Deere, a U.S. company, to discuss operations and tour the showroom. He took the opportunity to view the latest models of John Deere vehicles and heavy machinery and tour the warehouse and supply center with the John Deere team.
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 6 June, 2017 | Topics:
Consul General, Events, News, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On May 20, Economic and Commercial Affairs Officer Sharyn Fitzgerald attended the opening of a greenhouse project at Bahirka IDP camp. The project, sponsored by Mass Group Holding and implemented by Kurdish Human Rights Watch (KHRW) and the Kurdish American Cooperation Organization, established eight greenhouses to be managed by resident IDP families. The project seeks ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 20 May, 2017 | Topics:
Consul General, Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On February 28, The Consul General Ken Gross helped open our new American Corner today at the University of Kurdistan Hewler. This is a cultural and informational center that offers a library, access to online journals, advising services for students interested in studying in the U.S., and a variety of ongoing cultural and English-language programming. ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 28 February, 2017 | Topics:
Consul General, Events, News, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Iraq today to discuss key political, economic, humanitarian, and security issues with government officials, including our long-term partnership with Iraq under the Strategic Framework Agreement. The Deputy Secretary is accompanied by Brett McGurk, Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, and Joseph Pennington, Deputy ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 13 September, 2016 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On August 3, Consul General Ken Gross and Special Advisor for Religious Minorities Knox Thames traveled to Lalish Temple in Ninewa Province to participate in the commemoration of the 2nd anniversary of the Yezidi genocide. Mr. Gross met with Yezidi spiritual leaders, laid flowers at the genocide memorial, and gave remarks noting that as much ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 3 August, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On August 2, Consul General Ken Gross and Special Advisor for Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia Knox Thames visited the Erbil Citadel and met with Citadel Director Dr. Dara al-Yakoobi, who informed them about the site’s 6000 years of history, and discussed ongoing threats to Erbil’s cultural heritage. While there, ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 2 August, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On August 1, Consul General Ken Gross met with senior journalists and editors from eight top Iraqi Kurdish media outlets for an informal meet and greet. While there, they discussed the state of media freedom in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, the economic challenges faced by the press, and the key stories that these outlets are ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 1 August, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
Ken Gross, the Consul General in Erbil, is a career member of the U.S. Department of State’s Senior Foreign Service. Mr. Gross previously served as the U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan from 2009-2012. He has had two previous overseas postings in Iraq, including as Principal Officer at the Regional Embassy Office in Basrah, and he returned ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 11 July, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On June 30, Consul General Matthias Mitman visited the Mamilyan IDP Camp and observed livelihood programs coordinated by the Social Education Economic Development NGO and the United Nations Population Fund. These programs included a woodworking training facility, cooking workshops, music and enrichment programs for children, and psychosocial services for trauma victims. During the visit, CG ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 30 June, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On June 27, Consul General Matthias Mitman hosted an Iftar for over twenty Peshmerga soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade. The guest of honor was the Acting KRG Minister of Peshmerga Affairs Karim Sinjari. Mitman told the Kurdish soldiers that the U.S. is proud to partner with the Peshmerga in their fight against Da’esh ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 27 June, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On June 26, Consul General Mitman visited the Shrine of Raban Boya near Shaqlawa. Father Anies of the Chaldean Church joined the group for the scenic hike and shared the history of the site, which dates to the fourth century A.D., as well as information about Monk Boya, who established the site as a monastery.
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 26 June, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
The U.S. Consulate General in Erbil is pleased to announce that Ms. Talan Aouny and Ms. Bahar Ali will attend the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES), which will take place June 22-24, 2016 in Palo Alto, California. They will be joining more than 700 entrepreneurs from around the world along with investors, speakers, and leaders in ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 22 June, 2016 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
Greetings, and thank you Matthias. Thank you to everyone here tonight for joining us a little early to celebrate our Independence Day. I want to particularly acknowledge President Barzani: Mr. President, we are honored by your presence here as well as so many other representatives of the Kurdistan Regional Government. And we are honored to ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 8 June, 2016 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
Welcome, and thank you all for taking the time to join us on this, our 240th anniversary of independence. I’d like to particularly thank President Masoud Barzani, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, KRSC Chancellor Masrour Barzani, for joining us here this evening. Let me also welcome regional political, military and security leaders, our friends in ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 8 June, 2016 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
H.E. President Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region H.E. Ambassador Stuart Jones, US ambassador to Iraq CG Matthias Mitman, Consul General of the United States in Kurdistan Region Excellencies, Distinguished guests, Representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good evening to you all, I am pleased and privileged to be part of this ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 8 June, 2016 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On June 2, the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil hosted distinguished guests including IKR President Massoud Barzani for a celebration of the two hundred and fortieth Independence Day of the United States of America. Ambassador Stuart Jones and Consul General Matthias Mitman welcomed the crowd, which included officials from the Kurdistan Regional Government, military and ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 6 June, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On May 30, U.S. Consul General Matthias Mitman visited Peshmerga soldiers at the Erbil’s Emergency Management Center who were injured in the ongoing conflict with Da’esh in Khazir, Ninewa. This visit took place on Memorial Day, a U.S. holiday that honors those military men and women who have given their lives in defense of their ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 6 June, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
In celebration of World Press Freedom Day, Consul General Matthias Mitman addressed journalists, KRG officials, and other defenders of media freedom at Metro Center’s event, Defending Journalists in the IKR. In his remarks, Consul Mitman stressed that a free press is necessary for government accountability, open societies, and economic development. He also praised the work ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 6 June, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On May 5, the U.S. Consulate General Deputy Principal Officer, Roy Perrin, joined Sherzad Omar Mamsani, the Jewish Representative in the Kurdistan Ministry of Religion, for an historic commemoration in Erbil that marked the first Jewish Remembrance Day for Victims of the Holocaust. A moment of silence was observed in respect for the millions who ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 6 June, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On June 1, Consul General Mitman spoke at the graduation ceremony of the American International School of Kurdistan, encouraging the students to dream big, work hard and to give back to their communities. Many of these students will go on to universities in the United States.
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 1 June, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On April 19, Consulate General Erbil Public Affairs Section hosted a reunion for 22 Fulbright Scholars and Fulbright Student Program alumni. Consul General Matthias Mitman welcomed the guests, commended their participation in the program, and encouraged them to continue their efforts.
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 19 April, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On April 4, Consul General Matthias Mitman spoke at a commemoration honoring the 25th anniversary of Operation Provide Comfort. Along with representatives from the British, French and Turkish Consulates General in Erbil and the Kurdistan Regional Government, CG Mitman paid tribute to those who had sacrificed their lives in the effort to provide a safe ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 4 April, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry honored Yezidi activist Dr. Nagham Nawzat Hasan with the 2016 International Women of Courage Award. The award goes to women who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in acting to improve others’ lives. Dr. Hasan was one of the first physicians to provide psychological ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 29 March, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
I am delighted to join President Obama and Secretary Kerry in wishing a happy, healthy, and prosperous Nowruz to all our friends in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region and around the world. As Americans, we rejoice along with all those who come together to celebrate the arrival of spring and a new year. Nowruz is a ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 21 March, 2016 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On January 21, Consul General Matthias Mitman delivered remarks at the Center for the Development of Natural Resources’ “Escaping the Rentier Model: Reforms in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region” conference, hosted by the American University of Iraq in Sulaimani. Consul General Mitman focused on the need for transparency and accountability in the economic reform process, ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 21 January, 2016 | Topics:
Events, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
The United States condemns the barbaric acts of terrorism today in Iraq, including a suicide bombing and hostage-taking at a mall in Baghdad for which ISIL has claimed responsibility and two separate suicide attacks in Muqdadiyah. We express our deep condolences to the survivors and to the families of the victims. These attacks once again ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 11 January, 2016 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On December 31, the U.S. Consul General in Erbil, Matthias Mitman, joined with UNICEF and local NGOs in Erbil to distribute almost 2,500 sets of children’s clothing and blankets at Baharka Camp, where thousands of families have fled to escape Da’esh. The distribution is part of larger U.S. efforts to provide winter relief supplies to ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 4 January, 2016 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
We congratulate the Iraqi Security Forces on their progress in the hard-fought battle to retake Ramadi. ISF seizing the Anbar Government complex in Ramadi is a major blow to Dae’sh terrorists who continue to lose territory. The United States is proud to have led the International Coalition in assisting the ISF and remains steadfast in ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 28 December, 2015 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On September 15, 2015, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Stuart E. Jones led a high-level delegation from the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Defense to meet with Kurdistan Regional Government officials, including separate meetings with President Massoud Barzani, Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, Minister of Natural Resources Ashti Hawrami, and Deputy Prime Minister ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 15 September, 2015 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
The U.S. Consulate General in Erbil wishes to clarify visa processing information following incorrect reporting in some Iraqi media outlets that the Consulate General processes applications for immigrant visas. The U.S. Consulate General in Erbil does not accept applications for or process immigrant visas. All immigrant visas processing in Iraq is done by the U.S. ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 13 September, 2015 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
Southwest Asia – Peshmerga forces with the support of Coalition airstrikes, are conducting a successful offensive operation against Daesh terrorists near Tuz in Northern Iraq. Since Aug. 26, the Peshmerga have destroyed Daesh defensive positions and re-established control of more than 200 square kilometers, liberating seven villages, and straightening and shortening the Kurdish forward line ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 30 August, 2015 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On August 8, 2015, Ambassador Stuart Jones, Deputy Special Presidential Envoy Brett McGurk, Consul General Matthias Mitman, and Lieutenant General James Terry visited former Iraqi President Jalal Talabani at his home in Sulaimaniyah. Ambassador Jones and the delegation reaffirmed U.S. commitment to continued cooperation with Iraqi Kurdish forces in the fight to degrade and defeat ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 8 August, 2015 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
On July 27, 2015 Matthias Mitman became Consul General at the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil. “I’m pleased to take up the position of Consul General in Erbil. I look forward to engaging with the people and officials of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region and strengthening cooperation, economic ties, and people-to-people connections between the people of ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 4 August, 2015 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
The U.S. Consulate General in Erbil would like to notify U.S. citizens of credible threat reporting specific to public places in Erbil, Iraq. As a result, all off-compound movements of U.S. government personnel under the Chief of Mission at the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil will be limited on Friday, July 31, 2015 and Saturday, August 1, ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 30 July, 2015 | Topics:
Security & Emergency Messages, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
THE PRESIDENT: Today, after two years of negotiations, the United States, together with our international partners, has achieved something that decades of animosity has not — a comprehensive, long-term deal with Iran that will prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon. This deal demonstrates that American diplomacy can bring about real and meaningful change — ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 14 July, 2015 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
The President: Welcome to the White House. Now, I know that these are the longest days of the year, which is why I’m so glad that they put the first course down right away. (Laughter.) I know you’re hungry, and I promise to be brief. I want to thank the members of our diplomatic corps ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 22 June, 2015 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
Vice President Biden spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi today to reaffirm continued U.S. support for the Iraqi government’s ongoing efforts to defeat ISIL. The Vice President thanked Prime Minister Al-Abadi for his steadfast leadership in Iraq and for promoting national unity at a time of significant security challenges, including today’s ISIL attack on Ramadi. ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 15 May, 2015 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with the Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani today to discuss a range of issues, including the important role of the Kurdish Peshmerga and the Kurdish people in the fight against ISIL. Deputy Secretary Blinken offered condolences to President Barzani for the people who have lost their lives ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 6 May, 2015 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
President Obama participated in a meeting at the White House with Vice President Biden and Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. They discussed a range of issues, including the campaign to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL and the status of ongoing political initiatives to address the needs of the Iraqi people and foster ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 5 May, 2015 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad marks World Press Freedom Day, an annual occasion to recognize and honor the essential role a free press plays in democracies to ensure access to the news that informed citizens need. World Press Freedom Day is also an opportunity to reflect on and pay tribute to the journalists who have ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 3 May, 2015 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
Vice President Joe Biden spoke today with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi. The Vice President reaffirmed the US commitment under the Strategic Framework Agreement to a united, federal, and democratic Iraq, as defined in the Iraqi constitution. He further reaffirmed, pursuant to this commitment that all U.S. military assistance in the fight against ISIL comes ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 2 May, 2015 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
As a result of an explosion on April 17, 2015 in the Ankawa neighborhood in Erbil, and the security presence in the immediate area, Consulate General Erbil will temporarily suspend visa services on Sunday, April 19, 2015. The Consulate expects to resume visa services on Monday, April 20, 2015. All visa applicants will be notified ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 18 April, 2015 | Topics:
Security & Emergency Messages, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
The United States condemns the attack in Erbil today in which a vehicle-born improvised explosive device (VBIED) detonated outside the U.S. Consulate and took a number of innocent lives. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who were injured and killed. All Chief of Mission personnel have been accounted for and there ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 17 April, 2015 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
U.S. Department of State – Office of the Spokesperson – Statement by Jen Psaki At the request of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, the Coalition today launched airstrikes in and around Tikrit in support of Iraqi Security Forces ground operations. These strikes were designed to destroy ISIL strongholds with precision – protecting innocent Iraqis by minimizing ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 25 March, 2015 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the Peshmerga shown in the disturbing video released last night by ISIL, which purportedly shows the barbaric execution of three men. Although we are not in a position to confirm the authenticity of the video, we have no reason to doubt it given the other similar ...
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By U.S. Consulate in Erbil | 21 March, 2015 | Topics:
Press Releases, U.S. Consulate in Erbil
