Islamic State Group Abducts Dozens of Syrian Christians

Two human rights groups reported to international news agencies that dozens of Assyrian Christians in northeastern Syria were abducted by armed members of the Islamic State group (formerly ISIS). The Associated Press reported the number of abducted individuals as 'at least 70,' while France Press and Reuters cited 'at least 90.' According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the abductions occurred on Tuesday after ISIS forces regained control of two Assyrian villages in the Hasakah region from Kurdish forces. Reports indicate that the group of Christians abducted from the villages of 'Tal Shamirām' and 'Tal Hormuz' includes women and children. According to France Press, ISIS forces have been destroying churches and Christian places of worship in their attacks on Christian areas in Syria and are imposing jizya (a tax) on Christians under their control. Meanwhile, a group affiliated with ISIS last week in Libya abducted 21 Egyptian Christians, beheaded them, and released a threatening video against Rome, Italy, as a 'symbol of Christianity.' The intensification of conflicts in northeastern Syria has led to the control of more areas in Hasakah province being divided between local Kurdish forces known as the 'YPG' (People's Protection Units) and Islamic State forces. Reports indicate that the YPG has recently increased its attacks in Hasakah province and has successfully captured 24 villages in an effort to seize the city of Tal Hamis from ISIS. The actions of the Kurdish forces in Hasakah and also in Raqqa province in recent days have been supported by airstrikes from the international coalition. This part of Syria holds strategic importance in the fight against ISIS as it borders areas controlled by ISIS in Iraq.