DHAKA: A UK family of 12, who went missing, has reportedly joined so-called Islamic State (IS) and feel ‘safer than ever’.

A statement said to be on their behalf, reports the BBC.

The statement, purportedly sent by a member of IS, said it was ‘outrageous’ to suggest the Mannan family had been kidnapped and forced to join the group.

The BBC has not been able to verify if the statement is genuine.

The family from Luton has not been seen since 17 May and includes three children aged between one and 11.

Police have previously said they may have traveled to Syria.

The statement is accompanied by two photos purportedly of family member Muhammed Abdul Mannan, which have not been independently verified.

The statement, passed to the BBC by a Briton fighting with IS, said the family had arrived in a land that was ‘free from corruption and oppression’ and had not been ‘commanded’ to join by a single person but by the ‘Khalifah of the Muslims’.

It said, ‘We say to those that are concerned for our safety to put your hearts at rest for we feel safer than we have ever felt before’.

It went on to urge Muslims to ‘race to your state’.

The Islamic State group has seized large swathes of Iraq and Syria since last June, becoming notorious for its brutality, including mass killings, abductions and beheadings.

BDST: 2125 HRS, JULY 04, 2015
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