No, this isn't a joke. ISIS officials in Syria actually arrested and ordered the execution of three pigeons accused of being spies for an opposition group.

As funny as this story seems the surface, it's yet another grim reminder of the bizarre and uber-radical interpretation of Islamic law that ISIS inflicts upon those living in areas under its control. According to the UK's Express News, a radical cleric in Syria recently issued a dictate banning the practice of breeding pigeons because the sight of their genitals as they fly overhead is offensive. He also claims the activity distracts from the worship of Allah and that the birds are a security threat.

NBC News recently reported that 15 boys and young men were recently arrested in Iraq for breeding pigeons. Three were executed and the rest were forced into military service with ISIS. Those caught violating the ban face flogging, financial penalties, and possibly execution.

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