IS abducts more than 400 civilians in east Syria

Beirut, Jan 17: The Islamic State group abducted at least 400 civilians including women and children after capturing new territory in an assault on Syria's eastern city of Deir Ezzor, a monitor said today.

"After their attack on Deir Ezzor (yesterday), IS abducted at least 400 civilians from the residents of the Al-Baghaliyeh neighbourhood it captured and adjacent areas in the northwest of the city," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

"Those abducted, all of whom are Sunnis, include women, children and family members of pro-regime fighters," Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said, adding they were transported to other areas under IS control.

PTI