Iraq premier orders probe into violations by troops in Mosul

Iraq's special forces troops patrol in the eastern side of Mosul, Iraq, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017. U.S.-backed Iraqi government troops announced on Wednesday they were in "full control" of eastern Mosul, after routing Islamic State militants from that part of the northern city almost exactly three months since the major operation started. (AP Photo/ Khalid Mohammed) (The Associated Press)

Students inspect their badly damaged university, recently liberated from Islamic State militants on the eastern side of Mosul, Iraq, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017. (AP Photo/ Khalid Mohammed) (The Associated Press)

Iraq's prime minister has ordered an investigation into violations of human rights and other abuses purportedly committed by government troops and paramilitary forces battling the Islamic State group to retake the city of Mosul.

Haider al-Abadi says the probe will examine "cases of kidnappings, mistreatment and violations" against civilians. Al-Abadi blamed "groups that exploit the good name" of Iraqi regular forces and Shiite and Sunni paramilitaries for such incidents.

Monday's statement also says that the abuses are recorded and then posted on social media to "defame the real image of the brave security forces and their sacrifices."

Al-Abadi's statement came days after the U.N. demanded a government probe into a video purportedly showing brutal treatment and killing of at least three IS suspects in a newly-taken area in eastern Mosul.