ISIS Kurd Mullah Shwan shown beheading Shiite hostages

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – A series of photos released by the Islamic State appear to show former Erbil-based preacher Mullah Shwan taking part in the beheading of four hostages apparently belonging to the Hashd al-Shaabi, or Popular Mobilization Units (PMU).

The so-called Wilayat Kirkuk branch of ISIS released the photos on Sunday, the first time Shwan has appeared in an execution video for the extremists. 

Last November, Shwan joined ISIS with his wife and children. Earlier this year, Shwan appeared in a video in which he threatened Kurdish leaders and vowed that ISIS would take control of the Kurdistan region.

Nearly 500 Kurds joined ISIS last year, but the number has reportedly declined dramatically since ISIS attacked areas in the Kurdistan region.