Feb 22 β€’ 10:50 UTC πŸ‡ΆπŸ‡¦ Qatar Al Jazeera

Iraq: We are working to return ISIS prisoners to their countries

Iraq's National Security Advisor announced plans to repatriate ISIS prisoners held in the country, which come from over 67 nations.

The Iraqi National Security Advisor announced today that the government is actively working to repatriate ISIS prisoners, who have been identified as originating from more than 67 countries. This move follows the U.S. Central Command's decision to transfer ISIS members from northeastern Syria into Iraq after the Syrian Democratic Forces lost control over the Al-Hol camp. The transfer, which began on January 21 and lasted for 23 days, involved the relocation of over 5,700 ISIS fighters.

Strategic Affairs Advisor Saeed Al-Jiyashi emphasized that this operation was crucial for national security, prompted by the unique circumstances in Syria that necessitated the transfer of these individuals to Iraq's secure facilities. He mentioned that the operation was carried out under the supervision of Iraq's Counter-Terrorism Service, ensuring that the transfer was executed without any issues. The advisors ensured that all necessary security measures were in place to handle the transfer safely.

This situation brings to light the broader implications of managing foreign fighters and potential security concerns for Iraq and the region at large. As countries around the world grapple with how to deal with their nationals who have joined extremist groups, Iraq's approach to repatriation could set a precedent for dealing with similar cases globally. Moreover, the Iraqi government's handling of these prisoners reflects on its capacity and willingness to manage the repercussions of past conflicts, particularly in a post-ISIS landscape.

πŸ“‘ Similar Coverage