Islamic State 'kidnaps 400 civilians' after mass slaughter in Syrian city

Reports say militant group abducted families while rumours continue that hundreds have been taken hostage in major offensive

Iraqi government forces hold an Islamic State flag after they claimed they controlled an Islamic State town
(Image credit: YOUNIS AL-BAYATI/AFP/Getty)

Islamic State militants are reported to have kidnapped up to 400 civilians following a massacre in the Syrian city of Deir al-Zor that left at least 150 people dead.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says 85 civilians and 50 government soldiers were among the dead after jihadists using suicide bombs and cars loaded with explosives stormed the town on Saturday. Once inside Deir al-Zor, they are reported to have executed family members of the armed forces.

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