Islamic State beheaded two women in Syria on accusations of “sorcery” according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights group. It was the first such execution of women in Syria, according to Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman. In a new report, the group said that Islamic State has executed more than 3000 people in Syria since it declared a caliphate in parts of Syria and Iraq a year ago. According to the British-based group, among those executed were 1787 civilians including 74 children. It said at least 8000 Islamic State members have been killed in battles and US-led strikes. In a related development, the UN Security Council condemned the fighting and use of heavy weapons by both Syrian soldiers and opposition fighters in the Golan Heights on the Israeli border, warning it could increase tensions between Israel and Syria.