Amirli also spelt Amerli, is a predominantly Shia Turkmen town in Saladin Governorate, Iraq, approximately 100 km from the Iranian border. It is the centre of a farming region.

History

2007 bombing

On June 7, 2007, a bombing in the marketplace of Amirli by the Islamic State of Iraq killed 165 people and injured 350.

2014 siege by ISIS

The town, and its nearly 20,000 Shia Turkmen, was besieged by the ISIL starting in June 2014. It was running out of food, water, and supplies. A U.N. representative stated, "The situation of the people in Amerli is desperate and demands immediate action to prevent the possible massacre of its citizens." On August 31, the Popular Mobilization Forces, Iran, and local Turkmen tribes, managed to break the siege and entered the city, much to the rejoicing of its citizens.

Climate

Amirli has a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification BSh). Most rain falls in the winter. The average annual temperature in Amirli is 21.3 °C. About 301 mm of precipitation falls annually.