ISIS is increasingly using human shields to deter airstrikes conducted by an U.S.-led coalition, CBS reported on Friday.

Fighters are even using children as escorts while maneuvering in the street in order to exploit U.S. rules of engagement, which are intended to avoid collateral damage. …

By barricading themselves with civilians the terror group has inhibited U.S. airpower in the key Iraqi city of Ramadi, tilting the fight more toward being a “street by street” battle.

ISIS’ strategy of using human shields, in violation of international law, mirrors that of the Gaza-based terrorist group Hamas. During Operation Protective Edge in 2014, IDF troops found a Hamas combat manual that encouraged civilians to expose themselves to advancing Israeli forces, in part to prevent the IDF from opening fire. Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri appeared on the terror group’s television station to urge Gazans to stay in buildings that had been targeted by Israel. “We in Hamas call upon our people to adopt this policy in order to protect the Palestinians homes,” he said. The practice was confirmed by journalists both during and since last year’s war.

The commander of ISIS’ affiliate in the Sinai region of Egypt has reportedly met with Hamas leaders to discuss coordinating attacks and other forms of cooperation.

In How Hamas Destroys Its People, as Seen Through the Eyes of IDF Soldiers, published in the September 2014 issue of The Tower Magazine, Yardena Schwartz interviewed five Israeli soldiers who recounted their experiences with Hamas’ use of human shields and the dangers the tactic presented to Gazan civilians and Israeli soldiers alike.

[Photo: FRONTLINE PBS Official / YouTube ]