Spain’s foreign ministry announces repatriating ISIS members from NE Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday repatriating two women and 13 children of the family members of the Islamic State’s (ISIS) militants from the camps of northeastern Syria.
Earlier today, the Department of Foreign Relations of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) announced receiving a Spanish delegation headed by Guillermo Anguera Gual, Adviser in Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The department said it handed over two women and 13 children.
The Spanish foreign ministry said in its statement, “The repatriated Spaniards landed early this morning at Torrejón de Ardoz Air Base (Madrid).”
The ministry added that the repatriation was done “in an operation coordinated by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation which also involved the participation of the Ministries of Home Affairs, Defence, Social Rights, Justice and Presidency.”
Upon their arrival, the statement noted, “The two adult women were taken into custody by the Spanish National Police. After their statements are taken.… For their part, the social services of the Community of Madrid have taken the 13 minors into their care.”
The ministry said that “Spain has followed the same path as its European neighbors.… In this way, Spain complies with its legal obligations, including those stemming from international treaties.”
This is the first batch of ISIS families of foreign nationalities leaving the camps of northeastern Syria in 2023.