Crying Isis teenage suicide bomber apologises after his arrest: 'I am so sorry for this'
Teenage boy says extremist group are recruiting children as young as 14
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A teenage would-be suicide bomber with Isis has spoken of his regret in a tearful interview after his arrest in Iraq.
The 17-year-old boy claimed the extremist group recruits children as young as 14 to carry out attacks.
He told the BBC Isis militants showed him how to wear an explosive vest and promised him he would “go straight to heaven” after detonating his.
When asked why he was crying, the boy replied: “Because I am so sorry for this.”
He said most new recruits are younger than him – “14, 15, or 16”.
Isis's use of children has been well documented since the group began its insurgency across Iraq and Syria. A recent UN report found militants were using young children, including those who are mentally challenged, as suicide bombers.
The group regularly features images of children and toddlers brandishing weapons, with one of the most shocking showing a child holding the severed head of a man.
Isis supporters also circulated images of a child in September they said had become the youngest foreign fighter to be killed in battle for the jihadist group. The boy was believed to be no older than 10-years-old.
Meanwhile in Raqqa, Syria, where Isis has established its defacto capital, a group of activists claimed fighters marked as suicide bombers have been defecting from the group.
The Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS) group said Isis has been forced to seal of barriers and check points throughout the city in a bid to stop militants from leaving.
Last week, another former jihadist explained why he became disillusioned with the group before eventually fleeing its stronghold in Syria.
He told CBS Evening News that new members see life under Isis as “something a lot grander than what the reality is”.
“It's not all military parades or it's not all victories,” he added.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments