US praises Kyrgyzstan’s repatriation of ISIS nationals from NE Syria
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The US praised Kyrgyzstan for repatriating 59 of its nationals of Islamic State (ISIS) family members from camps in northeastern Syria with the help of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
“We are grateful to Kyrgyzstan and to our local partners…for working with us to help resolve the ongoing humanitarian and security challenges presented by Hawl and Roj camps,” the US Department of State said in a statement.
The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) announced on Feb. 16 it handed over 18 women and 41 children of the families of the ISIS of Kyrgyz nationals to the delegation of their country.
Following the handing over, the US Central Command (CENTCOM), issued a statement showing grateful for Kyrgyzstan.
The US State Department stressed that repatriation is the only durable solution to this urgent humanitarian and security situation.
“ISIS remains a persistent threat to the region, including to the thousands of vulnerable residents in these displaced persons camps, more than half of whom are under the age of 12,” the statement emphasized.
The US urged all governments to follow Kyrgyzstan example and repatriate their nationals, especially women and children.
Tens of thousands of women and children of ISIS families from about 60 countries are still in the two camps of Hawl and Roj within the AANES-held areas in northeast Syria, in addition to thousands of ISIS members in prisons who were surrendered to the SDF during the fall of ISIS last stronghold of the town of Baghuz in Deir ez-Zor Governorate.
The AANES continues calling for the countries to repatriate their nationals and establish an international tribunals for the ISIS members because they pose a significant risk to the civilians in the region and the entire world.