Islamic State executes scores of prisoners as it loses territory in Syria
Beirut — Islamic State executed scores of civilians this month in the Syrian desert, a monitor said Monday, in a gruesome massacre as the jihadists see their "caliphate" collapse. The extremist group last week lost its key Syrian stronghold of Raqa, the latest in a string of setbacks for the jihadist who are facing multiple offensives in both Syria and neighbouring Iraq. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, said Islamic State fighters massacred more than 100 people in the desert town of Al-Qaryatain this month before they lost it to regime forces. "Islamic State has over a period of 20 days executed at least 116 civilians in reprisal killings, accusing them of collaboration with regime forces," Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said. Regime forces retook Al-Qaryatain, which lies in the central Homs province, on Saturday, three weeks after the jihadists seized control of it. Islamic State first occupied the town in 2015 and lost it to Russian-backed Syr...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.