Human Rights Watch denounced executions by al-Qaeda-linked militants in Iraq, saying the so-called “Islamic State in Iraq and Levant” (ISIL) has committed crimes against humanity.

Human Rights Watch denounced executions by al-Qaeda-linked militants in Iraq, saying the so-called “Islamic State in Iraq and Levant” (ISIL) has committed crimes against humanity.

In a report published on Wednesday, the rights group said that bombings and shootings across the country were also part of a “campaign of widespread and systematic murder that amounts to crimes against humanity."

It cited the execution-style killing of four Iraqi SWAT forces by ISIL terrorists near the city of Ramadi in Anbar province on January 20.

"These abhorrent killings are the latest in a long list of ISIL atrocities, at a time when civilians in Anbar province are stuck in the fighting," said HRW's Deputy Middle East Director Joe Stork.

"Together with the ISIL car bombs and suicide attacks targeting civilians, they are further evidence of crimes against humanity," Stork added.

A video released at the time showed the special forces being forced to kneel down and then shot in the back of the head by the militants, who claimed responsibility for it later.

Iraqi security forces supported by Sunni tribesmen have been battling the militants in the western province.