Free Syrian Army fighters stand at a former base used by fighters from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), after it was captured by rival rebel forces in Manbij town in Aleppo January 8, 2014. (Reuters)
Free Syrian Army fighters stand at a former base used by fighters from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), after it was captured by rival rebel forces in Manbij town in Aleppo January 8, 2014. (Reuters) Reuters

British ISIS hostage John Cantlie has appeared in another documentary-style video. The new video was recently released online with the title “From Inside Halab.”

The photojournalist, who was taken more than two years ago by ISIS militants, appears to be well in the video. Cantlie reports on a range of topics including drone strikes, education and sharia law, reports The Guardian.

In the latest video, Cantlie describes ISIS’ “advance and stretch” as breathtaking and remarkable. He said large sections of Aleppo have been reduced to rubble after the airstrikes launched by U.S. and Syrian forces. Cantlie narrated how the city is still functioning under the rule of ISIS with a “thriving economy.”

Cantlie said one of the common accusations of the West is that under ISIS, education will be affected. He went on to explain that in Halab or Aleppo, young men are being taught the Quran and languages. The youth is expected to form the mujahideen in the region for the next generation.

The British hostage appears in another scene sitting in a sharia court of law. He explained that the rules of sharia are “remarkably simple” unlike the laws of democratic countries. He cited an example in which a person guilty of robbery would be punished by cutting off his hands. Cantlie said the decision of the sharia law court might be harsh but the person will not be able to commit the same crime again.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Defence Intelligence Agency has expressed growing concern for the expansion of ISIS outside of Iraq and Syria. According to DIA’s World Threat Assessment prepared for a hearing before the House Armed Services Committee last week, ISIS gaining allies outside of Syria and Iraq has been “particularly concerning.”

DIA director U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. Vincent Stewart said ISIS has affiliates in Algeria, Egypt and Libya. The terrorist group is assembling its own international force in both governed and ungoverned areas. ABC News reports that ISIS has accepted the pledge of allegiance of a militant group in Libya. The ISIS affiliate has since announced it will behead people who violate the sharia law.

To report problems or leave feedback on this report, contact: r.su@ibtimes.com.au

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