U.S. forces, in cooperation with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), have captured an ISIS leader responsible for assisting escaped fighters from detention facilities in Syria, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The operation, conducted early Sunday morning, resulted in the apprehension of Khaled Ahmed al-Dandal.
CENTCOM reported that al-Dandal played a crucial role in aiding ISIS fighters who had escaped from detention facilities across Syria, including those who had recently fled. This capture comes in the wake of a recent escape incident at the Raqqa detention facility, where five ISIS detainees broke out. While the SDF recaptured two of the escapees, three remain at large.
The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by U.S. and allied forces in managing the more than 9,000 ISIS detainees held in over 20 detention facilities throughout Syria. Gen. Erik Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, emphasized the potential threat posed by these detainees, stating, “If a large number of these ISIS fighters escaped, it would pose an extreme danger to the region and beyond.”
U.S. authorities are working to repatriate as many detainees as possible to their countries of origin for prosecution, but progress has been slow. The high concentration of ISIS prisoners in these facilities has made them attractive targets for ISIS attacks aimed at freeing their compatriots.
This operation follows a separate raid against ISIS in Iraq just days earlier, which resulted in injuries to seven U.S. service members. That joint operation with Iraqi Security Forces resulted in the death of 15 ISIS militants and targeted several ISIS leadership hideouts.
As the U.S. and its allies continue efforts to combat ISIS remnants in the region, the capture of al-Dandal represents a significant victory in disrupting the terror group’s support networks. However, it also highlights the persistent threat posed by ISIS and the complexities of managing captured fighters in a volatile region.
CENTCOM officials stress the importance of international cooperation in addressing the ISIS detainee situation, calling for increased efforts to repatriate fighters and bring them to justice in their home countries. As operations against ISIS continue, the international community remains vigilant against the potential resurgence of the terror group in Syria and Iraq.
CNN
