Dramatic pictures released online appear to show human shields being used by an ISIS convoy escaping the Syrian city of Manbij.
After weeks of heavy fighting, the Islamic State militants were recently forced to retreat from the Syrian city of Manbij. The US-backed fighters carried out the offensive.
As the militants were leaving, reportedly to head north towards the Turkish border, dramatic photos released by the Syrian Democratic Forces appear to show civilians being used as human shields by the ISIS convoy.
During a Tuesday press briefing, Col. Chris Garver, the spokesperson for US-led coalition, noted that after sensing defeat, upto 200 militants gathered people in the town including hostages and family members.
He added, "Civilians were observed in the convoy intermingled with fighters in every vehicle."
The convoy was allowed to pass by the US-backed forces to avoid loss of civilian life.
Sky News reports “Hundreds of civilians forced into the convoy were released on 13 August, while others escaped" and the ISIS militants are being tracked.