Pregnant women shot by Islamic State for refusing to be sex slaves

At least 150 women, some of them pregnant, have been executed by Islamic State fighters in the western Iraqi province of Al-Anbar, according to the Anadolu news agency.

Iraq's Ministry of Human Rights released a statement saying: "At least 150 females, including pregnant women, were executed in Fallujah by a militant named Abu Anas Al-Libi after they refused to accept jihad marriage.

"Many families were also forced to migrate from the province's northern town of Al-Wafa after hundreds of residents received death threats."

The ministry said many children died when their families were stranded in the desert after leaving their homes.

The statement says that the Islamic State fighters carried out the murders in Fallujah, the scene of fierce fighting in the second Iraq War, and that the victims were buried in mass graves.

The region is under the control of Islamic State, which has launched vicious purges against Christian and Yazidi minorities. Its fighters regard themselves as entitled to use captured women as sex slaves.

related articles
ISIS demands all women in Mosul undergo FGM
ISIS demands all women in Mosul undergo FGM

ISIS demands all women in Mosul undergo FGM

Dozens of Yazidi men \'massacred\' by the Islamic State, women and children abducted
Dozens of Yazidi men 'massacred' by the Islamic State, women and children abducted

Dozens of Yazidi men 'massacred' by the Islamic State, women and children abducted

IS in Iraq: Yazidi women raped, murdered and sold as brides
IS in Iraq: Yazidi women raped, murdered and sold as brides

IS in Iraq: Yazidi women raped, murdered and sold as brides

Sunni tribe massacre fails to unite Iraqis against Islamic State
Sunni tribe massacre fails to unite Iraqis against Islamic State

Sunni tribe massacre fails to unite Iraqis against Islamic State

Islamic State militants capture major town in surprise attack
Islamic State militants capture major town in surprise attack

Islamic State militants capture major town in surprise attack

News
Shine, Jesus, Shine remix launched for Christmas evangelism campaign
Shine, Jesus, Shine remix launched for Christmas evangelism campaign

The project was divinely inspired, says the organiser

Sudanese human rights activist assaulted in Newcastle
Sudanese human rights activist assaulted in Newcastle

The assault happened outside Newcastle City Hall, said Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

Gaza's Christians praying for a peaceful Christmas
Gaza's Christians praying for a peaceful Christmas

Conditions remain tough for Gaza's Christians despite the ceasefire.

Churches across the UK are getting into the Christmas spirit
Churches across the UK are getting into the Christmas spirit

Cathedrals and churches across the UK are embracing Advent with a flurry of festive markets, carol services and community events.