IS has committed genocide in Iraq and Syria, says Kerry

Washington, March 17 (IANS) The Islamic State terrorist group has committed genocide against minority Christians, Yazidis and Shiite Muslims in Iraq and Syria, US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Thursday.

"Daesh is responsible for genocide against groups in areas under its control, including Yazidis, Christians, and Shiite Muslims," Kerry said, referring to the group by an Arabic acronym.

"Daesh is also responsible for crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing directed at these same groups and in some cases also against Sunni Muslims, Kurds, and other minorities," he added.

"Ultimately, the full facts must be brought to light by an independent investigation and through formal legal determination made by a competent court or tribunal," Kerry noted, adding that the United States will support efforts to collect and preserve evidence of IS atrocities.

The US House of Representatives earlier this week unanimously passed a non-binding resolution condemning IS atrocities as genocide.