Relatives of Syrian refugees join ranks of IS

World Today

Published September 26, 2014 at 5:57 PM
Updated September 29, 2014 at 2:19 PM

Turkey is now host to more than 144,000 new Syrian refugees who have fled Islamic State battles in the past week. Some have relatives now fighting for IS. CCTV America’s Michal Bardavid reports from a Syrian border in Turkey.

Thousands of Syrians have joined the Islamic State or IS, abandoning their family. Those who are left behind are faced with the reality and challenges that their relatives are now part of a brutal and extremist organization.

Follow Michal Bardavid on Twitter @michalbardavid

Many feel shame, fury, as well as fear for their own lives. They want to be heard, but are afraid of the consequences. They have all watched the recent public beheadings of journalists by the Islamic State, as did millions worldwide.

IS is also known to target children as new recruits.