Islamic State Crucifies, Slaughters Civilians in East Syria

Islamic State Crucifies, Slaughters Civilians in East Syria
Mary Chastain

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Islamic State (IS) destroyed resistance from local tribes in east Syria, crucifying 2 people and murdering 23 others, mainly from the al-Sheitaat tribe, in the last five days.

***WARNING: GRAPHIC PHOTOS BELOW***

The al-Sheittat tribe attempted to fight off IS for a month. With their defeat, IS controls a third of Syria.

“We appeal to the other tribes to stand by us because it will be their turn next… If [Islamic State] are done with us the other tribes will be targeted after al-Sheitaat. They are the next target,” said al-Sheitaat leader Sheikh Rafaa Aakla al-Rahju.

On August 7, IS claimed the group captured Brigade 93 of the Syrian Army in Raqqa.

According to an activist, IS wins people when they provide basic necessities. They hand out “gas, electricity, fuel, and food to garner local support.” The Deir al-Zor area, where one person was beheaded and eighteen shot, is very poor.

“They are halting theft and punishing thieves,” he said. “This is also giving them credibility.”

The activist is right. There are residents who express support for IS because petty crime is down. IS also offers work for kids to earn a paycheck.

“The [Islamic State] has respect and standing, and its voice is heard,” said one resident.

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