AANES welcomes US CENTCOM initiative on repatriating ISIS families
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) on Sunday welcomed the recent announcement by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) to establish a joint task force for the repatriation of families of Islamic State (ISIS) members from detention camps in northeast Syria.
On Friday, Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM Deputy Commander, revealed the creation of a joint mechanism aimed at facilitating the return of ISIS-affiliated individuals from al-Hawl and Roj camps to their home countries.
Fanar al-Kait, Co-chair of the AANES Foreign Relations Department, issued a statement through the administration’s official website, saying, “The AANES welcomes the establishment of a joint task force for the repatriation of ISIS families from al-Hawl and Roj camps in northeast Syria.”
He emphasized that the AANES, as a principal partner in the task force, has consistently urged foreign governments to take back their citizens from the two camps, warning that continued neglect risks fueling further radicalization with repercussions across Syria and the wider region.
Al-Kait also stressed the importance of ensuring “fair and transparent trials” for ISIS fighters currently held in detention centers across northeast Syria. He noted that the AANES has already declared its readiness to begin such judicial proceedings locally, describing them as a crucial step toward justice for thousands of victims of ISIS violence.
The announcement highlights longstanding concerns about al-Hawl and Roj camps, which together house tens of thousands of women and children linked to ISIS fighters. Security incidents and attempted escapes remain persistent, despite intensive counterterrorism and stabilization efforts by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Internal Security Forces (Asayish).
The AANES maintains that international cooperation is essential for addressing the humanitarian and security challenges posed by the camps and detention facilities, underscoring its commitment to justice and regional stability.