Islamic State religious police kidnapped in Syria: reportJanuary 8, 2015 - 11:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Reports from Syria say that some members of the religious police force set up by the militant group Islamic State (IS) have been kidnapped. Activist group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said they had been ambushed and abducted by unknown gunmen in the eastern city of Mayadin, BBC News reports. The force patrols areas held by IS and enforces its version of Islamic law. It comes a day after reports that the force's deputy leader in the same area had been killed by unknown assailants. The Observatory, which is based in the UK, said it was unclear how many members of the police - known as Hisbah - had been kidnapped. "There is an escalation in the operations against the Hisbah because they are arresting people and insulting their dignity for reasons like smoking," Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP news agency. The IS police force has confiscated and burned tobacco products and punished those caught smoking. According to reports, the force's deputy commander in the area had been captured, tortured and beheaded. His severed head was reportedly found with a cigarette in its mouth and close by was a note with a mocking reference to the fact that smoking is a sin in the eyes of the religious police. IS has seized large swathes of Syria and Iraq, declaring a "caliphate" in the areas in controls. Photo: AFP Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |