WATCH: Ezidi woman escapes IS, risks her life for freedom

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – In an exclusive interview with Kurdistan24, a Yezidi (Ezidi) woman who was held captive by the Islamic State (IS) in Mosul recounted the story of her escape.

In August 2014, IS attacked Ezidi-populated Shingal area, massacring hundreds of Ezidis and kidnapping thousands of them, including Handiya Findo from the Kucho village southern Shingal.

Findo, told Kurdistan24 she was held captive in the house of an IS senior member who was the Emir of Zakat [Charity] and Agriculture.

Findo said that when she was transformed into the Emir’s house, he warned her about attempting to escape, saying it would cost her life.

"Slaves like you say you wouldn't run away, but you do at the first chance," she quoted him.

Not heeding the death threat, and using the master's cell phone, she managed to recruit help to escape.

Findo explained that once the Emir forgot his phone when leaving for the morning pray. 

Using that stressful window of opportunity, she contacted her brother who provided her with a smuggler's information.

"I contacted the smuggler who gave me instructions in order for him to recognize me and take me from the Emir's house," she said.

"I hung a black bag on the house's main door, then the smuggler came and took me to Mhalabia area near Talaafar."

She explained that she walked with him from evening to midnight until they reached the Peshmerga frontline.

She also said that while held as a slave, she was forced to convert to Islam.

Out of more than 6,400 Ezidis held captive by IS extremists, only 3,000 have been rescued.

Editing by Ava Homa