Public executions, forced marriages and the fear of US bombs…these are just a few of the challenges faced by Iraqis living under the rule of ISIL. CCTV’s Jack Barton is in Iraq where he has been speaking to people who escaped life under a militant group that has caused terror from Baghdad to Paris.

As ISIL swept across northern Iraq two years ago many Shiite Muslims and minorities including Yazidis and Christians fled while they could.

But Aastar Samaan’s family remained. Her father Youssef says local Christians and Muslims lived as brothers… he found the rumors about ISIL hard to believe.

When the fanatical group arrived everything changed, starting with alleged forced marriages of Christian woman to ISIL fighters and ultimately a choice: convert or be killed.

"They don’t have a religion their goal and purpose is killing and slaughtering and taking away everything, desecrating the honor of families," said Youssef Samaan, displaced farm owner from Qaraqosh.

After a month of occupation by the fanatical Sunni group the Samaans slipped away at night finding refuge in the Kurdish city of Erbil.

Camps for displaced Iraqis are overflowing.

The picture here is not clear-cut as some people say they fear the Shiite Muslim dominated army and militias as much as ISIL. Though most echoed the views of this man who wanted to be identified only as Hussein.

Along with family and friends Hussein braved ISIL landmines and snipers to reach this camp.

"Daesh is like a mosquito it cannot live without blood, many killings, murders, bombs killing people by the name of religion," said Hussein, displaced English teacher.

People here want to go home… a sentiment shared by the Samaan family.

"In truth we would love to go back to our mother home, despite what we have recently lost from our money and wealth… that’s insignificant, we can regain our dignity," said Youssef Samaan.

For now almost three and a half million displaced Iraqis of all faiths must to wait until ISIL’s grip is finally wrenched free of Iraq.