Hundreds of Yazidis are in training on the Iraq border with Kurdistan preparing to take the fight back to the Islamic militants who have subjected their people to persecution.

The world has now been awoken to the plight of this religious minority and the volunteers who are training are determined to avenge the bloody murder of the past weeks.

“We are here at this camp in order to get training and go back to defend our families, honour and land. YPG – Kurdish forces – have helped us and they are now training us. They gave us food,aid, uniforms and weapons,” explained Hussein Mired a Yazidi volunteer.

They are predominantly ethnically Kurdish and have kept alive their syncretic religion – a fusion of different beliefs – for centuries. It is rumoured to have been founded in the 11th century and includes elements of an ancient Persian faith, Christianity and Islam.

At the core is their worship of Melek Tawwus or Peacock Angel. The importance of the angel to the Yazidi people has given them the reputation of devil worshippers. In the climate of extremism which has gripped Iraq it has left these ancient people in the firing line.