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
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.