An Iraqi model and Instagram influencer has been shot dead in Baghdad.
Tara Fares, 22, who had almost three million followers on the social media site, was killed by unknown gunmen today in the city’s Kam Sara neighbourhood.
She was taken to Baghdad’s Sheik Zaid hospital at 5.45am local time, where doctors told local media she had suffered three bullet wounds.
Tara’s instagram says her interests are style, beauty and travel. She also had a YouTube channel, where she uploaded makeup tutorials and video blogs
Her death was confirmed by the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior, which announced an investigation has been opened
Tara was a former beauty queen who lived in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan. She is said to regularly visit Baghdad.
Her death was confirmed by the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior, which announced an investigation has been opened, Kurdistan 24 reported.
Tara had built a huge profile and fan-base on Instagram, where she specialised in fashion and beauty.
However she also won praise for her commentary on the reality of daily life in Iraq, where conservative attitudes towards women and fixed gender roles persist.
Following the announcement, fans began posting tributes on social media, with many hailing her bravery and openness on the issue of women’s rights.
Tara Fares, 22, who had almost three million followers on the social media site, was killed by unknown gunmen today in the city’s Kam Sara neighbourhood
Her murder comes just days after that of Suad al-ali, an Iraqi human rights activist who was also shot in her car in the southern city of Basra
The former 2015 beauty queen suffered three bullet wounds just after 5am local time