Islamic State beheads 'Safavid' soldiers in Anbar Posted: 04 Aug 2014 11:58 AM PDT

Islamic State beheads 'Safavid' soldiers in Anbar Posted: 04 Aug 2014 11:58 AM PDT The Islamic State continues to release photographs of the execution of Iraq soldiers and security personnel. Yesterday, the Islamic State's Anbar Division released seven photographs documenting the beheading of three Iraq soldiers. While the beheadings could not be confirmed, the photographs released by the Islamic State are similar to images of other executions that have been confirmed. The executions of the three captured soldiers are said to have taken place in the Al Sejar area just northeast of Fallujah, the second-largest city in Anbar province. Fallujah has been under the control of the Islamic State since the beginning of this year. The soldiers are shown lying face first on the ground with their hands cuffed behind their backs. Each is shown holding up some form of identification. The Islamic State refers to the soldiers as "Safavids," or Iranians, as these soldiers fight for the Shia-led Iraqi government. A different Islamic State fighter beheads each soldier, using a machete or a Bowie knife. The head of one of the soldiers is placed on his own back. Only one of the photographs is reproduced, below. The rest of the photographs are extremely graphic and disturbing, and can be viewed here.