ISIS Kills 12 Civilians; Holds 3,000 Others Hostage

ISIS is holding as many as 3,000 civilians hostage after they tried to escape the group's territory in Iraq, according to the UN Refugee Agency. 

The militants have killed at least 12 people after opening fire on the villagers, who had been moving from the al-Hawija district to Kirkuk city. 

"They died on the spot," a security source told Iraqi News. "Three thousand civilians, including women, men, children and elders tried to escape this afternoon from Hawija. ISIS members ambushed the civilians and prevented them from escaping." 

it is believed that they were trying to escape the ISIS-controlled territory and move towards Kurdish Peshmerga forces. 

Peshmerga forces are attempting to drive the militants out the region by moving in from Kirkuk.

The small military group is finding some success as Britain and members of US-led coalition have conducted regular strikes on ISIS territory. 

The terrorist organization has suffered major losses in the country, including the city of Fallujah.