U.S. and International Coordination to Repatriate Detainees and Displaced Persons
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced efforts to launch a joint coordination mechanism in northeastern Syria aimed at facilitating the repatriation of detainees and displaced persons to their home countries, including those held in Al-Hol camp and surrounding detention facilities.
Speaking at a conference in New York titled “Repatriating Individuals from Al-Hol Camp and Surrounding Centers,” CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper emphasized the urgent need to accelerate the return of detainees and displaced individuals. He stated that the initiative seeks to protect the most vulnerable populations and reduce the influence of extremist groups, particularly among women and children.
Cooper noted that the population of Al-Hol and Roj camps peaked at around 70,000 people in 2019 but has since dropped to fewer than 30,000. He stressed that repatriating vulnerable groups is not merely a humanitarian act but also a strategic blow to ISIS’s ability to regroup.
He affirmed that the United States will continue supporting the international coalition and participating countries in repatriating their detained citizens, calling on all concerned nations to take immediate action in this regard.
