Isis executes cross-dressing defector attempting to escape Syria while wearing women's clothes

The Islamic State (Isis) in Syria has reportedly executed one of its own fugitive fighters after he was arrested, dressed as a woman, trying to flee al-Mayadin city. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the man had been wanted by the organisation for some time and was executed immediately after his arrest.

It is not the first time Isis defectors have been found posing as women while attempting to flee the terror group.

In June, as Iraqi security forces battled to take back control of Fallujah, the army and the Shia militias supporting them reported the phenomenon was widespread. In one instance Iranian media sources reported that as many as six Isis fighters dressed as female refugees were detained while attempting to cross their lines.

The fighters were even described to be wearing make-up while leaving the city. As a result the Iraqi forces began screening men and teenage boys as they left Fallujah, as fighting in the city continued.