The Assyrian Human Rights Network confirmed Wednesday that over 500 Christian Assyrian families have fled their homes to Al-Hasakah and Al-Qamishli towns in north-eastern Syria over fears of Islamic State (IS) advances. Osama Edward, founder of the Assyrian Human Rights Network, told Al-Arabiya TV channel that the Christian Assyrian families fled 25 Syrian towns on Al-Khabur River and are believed to have been captured by IS militants. Edward said the network lost contact with 10 guards at Tel Hormuz village, after IS militants seized the village, adding that their fate is unknown. He added that over 40 families from Tel Hormuz and Tel Hamiran villages have been captured by IS militants and their fate is also unknown. Edward revealed that the Assyrian archbishopric of Al-Hasakah received over 3000 families, ever since the IS' attacked their villages, affirming that the militants burnt at least three churches in the city. Edward stated that IS militants besieged a village in the countryside of Al-Hasakah, preventing residents from moving out.
