Coalition pushes urgent repatriation of foreign fighters
September 30, 2024 | US Department of State
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During a recent coalition meeting, officials emphasized the urgent need for the repatriation of foreign fighters and their families from Northeast Syria, citing it as the only sustainable solution to the ongoing humanitarian and security crisis in the region. Currently, over 43,000 displaced individuals from more than 60 countries reside in Northeast Syria, with a significant portion being children who have never known another home. Additionally, approximately 9,000 fighters remain detained in facilities across the area, representing the largest concentration of such individuals globally.
Despite the challenges, coalition partners are increasingly taking action to address this issue. Since 2021, the Iraqi government has successfully repatriated over 10,400 of its citizens, while the Kyrgyz Republic has brought back more than 432 nationals in the past year. Countries like Kuwait have also played a supportive role by allowing planes to refuel at their air bases during repatriation efforts.
The coalition acknowledged the complexities surrounding repatriation but warned that inaction could exacerbate security conditions, potentially allowing detained fighters to regroup and threaten the communities that have been protected through extensive efforts. The meeting concluded with a call to maintain momentum in repatriation initiatives, stressing that now is not the time to reduce efforts in addressing this critical situation.
Despite the challenges, coalition partners are increasingly taking action to address this issue. Since 2021, the Iraqi government has successfully repatriated over 10,400 of its citizens, while the Kyrgyz Republic has brought back more than 432 nationals in the past year. Countries like Kuwait have also played a supportive role by allowing planes to refuel at their air bases during repatriation efforts.
The coalition acknowledged the complexities surrounding repatriation but warned that inaction could exacerbate security conditions, potentially allowing detained fighters to regroup and threaten the communities that have been protected through extensive efforts. The meeting concluded with a call to maintain momentum in repatriation initiatives, stressing that now is not the time to reduce efforts in addressing this critical situation.
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