1039: Tareena Shakil | An ISIS Recruit's Journey and Escape Part One

Daily Life

Tareena Shakil describes the harsh realities of daily life in ISIS-controlled Raqqa. She lived in overcrowded conditions with 150 people on a Syrian farm, where strict rules prohibited phone use and restricted movement 1. The increasing frequency of coalition bombings added to the constant fear and danger 2.

   

Interactions

Interactions with other women and ISIS members were fraught with tension and cultural misunderstandings. Tareena recalls being mocked for her British accent and facing pressure to marry 3. She also encountered resistance from other women who were equally desperate to escape 4.

   

Violence

Witnessing violence was a common occurrence. Tareena saw fellow captives being beaten and taken away by ISIS fighters, never to be seen again 5. Her own family was initially in disbelief about her joining ISIS, thinking it was a joke 6.

   

Escape Attempts

Tareena made several attempts to escape, often involving risky and flimsy plans. She recounts how some women jumped over walls to flee, while she had to consider her child's safety 7. The plans were often precarious, relying on untrustworthy ISIS fighters for help 8.