Islamic State slaughters dozens of Syrian civilians in Aleppo province

Damascus: Islamic State jihadists have captured and brutally killed dozens of civilians in Syria's northern Aleppo province, news site ARA News reported, citing activists and witnesses.

The extremist group slit the throats of at least 40 people, including children, who were trying to escape from the IS-held town of Um al-Housh, local media activist Salem Hamdan was quoted as telling ARA News.

"IS terrorists mercilessly slaughtered them at the entrance of the town, threatening the residents that anyone who tries to leave without permission will face a similar punishment," Hamdan said.

The victims were trying to reach areas held by the Western-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the northern countryside of Aleppo, ARA News reported.

"My brother, his wife and their four children were among the victims. They had been trying to find a safer place, but they were arrested and executed by IS militants before leaving Um al-Housh," Abu Lian, 37, told ARA News.