TheCable

A teenager recruited by the Islamic State for the battle in the Iraqi city of Mosul killed the whole of his six-member family when his explosive belt went off inside their home.

Three children were reportedly among those killed by the unnamed boy’s explosive device.

According to Alsumaria News, the boy, who belonged to the so-called ‘Cubs of the Caliphate’ squad, had been given the suicide belt by other members of the group.

He put the device on and went back to his home in the al-Wehda district of Mosul, where it later exploded, a source told the news channel.

“The teenager’s belt exploded inside his home. It appeared later that all of his family, including three children, were killed,” the channel quoted a source as saying.

The man said Islamic State regularly recruits teenagers to wear explosive devices, especially in eastern Mosul.

“It comes as part of ISIS strategy to strengthen its grip on the ground and intimidate the people,” he said.

ISIS has been fighting to retain control of Mosul, which it took over in June 2014, and declared capital of its self-proclaimed Islamic Caliphate.

Last month, Iraqi forces with the support of US air strikes, launched an operation to liberate the city.