HUMAN-rights organisations in Afrin, northern Syria, have warned of an escalation of war crimes and kidnappings after eight more people were taken from a village earlier this week.

Cemal Umer Eliko, Sebri Ehmed Mihemed, Mihyedin Eliko and his mother Fidan, Ebdo Mihemed Abdullah and his mother Fatime, Imad Qadir Hisen and his mother Emina were kidnapped on Tuesday.

Mr Eliko, Mr Hisen and Mr Abdullah were returned after a ransom was paid, but the others are still being “held hostage by the Turkish state,” according to Kurdish officials.