Written by: Uzair Nizam
Civilians—particularly women and children—are granted special protection under all laws of armed conflict, as well as national and international conventions. Inflicting harm upon them constitutes a grave violation of legal and moral norms and is widely recognized as an act of cowardice. The noble religion of Islam accords them the highest respect and safeguards their dignity, granting them a position of honor within society.
Yet certain deviant groups and extremist ideologies—motivated by the desire to instill fear, assert dominance, or expose their inherently savage nature—have deliberately targeted women and children with calculated brutality.
Among the most egregious violators stands ISIS-Khawarij, whose historical record reflects a deliberate and systematic campaign of dehumanization and abuse. Verified reports from international observers and independent media outlets have documented a consistent pattern of atrocities during the group’s offensives in Iraq and Syria. These included widespread violations of civilian sanctity, the desecration of communities, and acts of violence so extreme that they shocked even the most seasoned analysts and witnesses.
The ISIS-Khawarij faction has particularly targeted vulnerable populations—women, children, and the elderly—consistently breaching both physical and moral boundaries through atrocities that defy the most basic principles of humanity.
Their cruelty toward civilians—especially women and children—has manifested in multiple forms:
Sexual Enslavement
A significant number of ISIS recruits were unmarried, radicalized youth, enticed by promises of unrestricted sexual access. Upon seizing control of towns and regions, ISIS militants routinely abducted women and girls, treating them as “spoils of war.” These women were kept in captivity, subjected to sham marriages, and exploited under the guise of religious justification.
Even married women were seized and declared the wives of ISIS fighters. Upon the death of a militant, these women were passed on to other members of the group. Many victims endured repeated abuse and were stripped of all basic human rights.
Forced Marriages
ISIS systematically distorted religious teachings to justify the forced marriage of women in territories under its control. In many instances, women—already married—were forcibly “married” to ISIS fighters, in blatant violation of Islamic law and human dignity. Those who refused were often executed under the pretext of “disobedience.”
These coercive marriages were conducted without the knowledge or consent of the women’s families. Most took place after abduction, involving extreme pressure and intimidation. Such practices shattered community stability and left entire families in fear and mourning.
Recruitment and Exploitation of Children
ISIS routinely conscripted underage boys and adolescents into its ranks. These children—many not yet of legal age—were forced into combat roles or subjected to forced labor. A significant number died from abuse, overwork, or direct involvement in military operations.
Children were also exploited as tools for extortion. ISIS demanded ransoms from families in exchange for their sons’ release or coerced relatives to join the militant ranks in substitution. These tactics not only devastated individual lives but also fractured entire communities.
Exploitation of Impoverished and Displaced Families
ISIS operations frequently preyed upon the desperation of impoverished and displaced populations. By exploiting economic vulnerabilities, the group recruited individuals who lacked protection or alternatives. No rational, informed person committed to faith and morality would voluntarily align with such a cruel and lawless organization.
In numerous cases, ISIS leadership exhibited such brutality that they turned against their own family members. Women, children, and relatives who resisted or expressed dissent were threatened, disappeared, or executed—demonstrating that no one was immune from the group’s cruelty.
