logo
Iraq receives 81 ISIS families from Syria

Iraq receives 81 ISIS families from Syria

Shafaq News31-01-2025
Shafaq News/ On Friday, a new batch of families linked to ISIS arrived at the Al-Jadaa camp in southern Mosul from Syria's Al-Hol.
An Iraqi security source told Shafaq News that Iraqi forces received the 20th batch of ISIS families, comprising 81 families with a total of 360 individuals.
The source explained that 60% of these families are originally from Nineveh province, while 20% hail from Al-Anbar, and the remaining 20% are from areas around Baghdad, Kirkuk, and Saladin.
Earlier this month, a security source in Nineveh told Shafaq News that 191 families—totaling 710 individuals—linked to ISIS arrived at Al-Jadaa camp in Qayyarah, south of Mosul.
This transfer is part of an agreement between the Iraqi government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to repatriate Iraqi citizens from Al-Hol camp in Syria.
The families are transported via the Rabia border crossing and undergo security screening at Al-Jadaa camp before being cleared to return to their areas of origin.
These latest transfers are part of a broader repatriation effort, with Iraq bringing back 706 individuals in October 2024, 185 families in April 2024, and 173 families in June 2024.
The government ultimately aims to close the camp entirely as part of efforts to reduce cross-border security risks.
However, the relocation of these individuals has sparked fears of extremist ideologies spreading, as many residents, including children, may have been indoctrinated and could pose long-term security risks.
Over 60% of Iraqi nationals in the camp are children under 17, and 20% are under five, many of whom have been deprived of basic rights, including education.
Al-Hol has been described as a highly securitized, harsh environment, often likened to a prison due to its restrictive conditions.
Additionally, efforts to repatriate camp residents have faced numerous obstacles, including widespread stigma and local resistance, complicating the reintegration process.
Yesterday, The United Nations announced the official launch of the second phase of the ONE UN Plan, titled 'New Beginnings' in collaboration with the Iraqi government, a comprehensive framework designed to support the safe, voluntary, and dignified return, rehabilitation, and reintegration of Iraqi nationals from Al-Hol and Al-Roj camps.
Speaking at the ceremony, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of UNAMI Dr. Mohamed Al-Hassan stated, 'It is time to close this file and turn the page on ISIS threats. It is a challenging project and solving it in accordance with international standards and in a manner that commensurate with the level of this country that has shaped the civilization of humanity is evidence of Iraq's recovery.'
The ONE UN Plan builds on Iraq's ongoing efforts since 2021 to repatriate and reintegrate its citizens, with a focus on women and children who have endured harsh and unstable conditions in Al-Hol camp.
Acknowledging the worsening humanitarian and security situation in Al-Hol, the Iraqi government has accelerated repatriation efforts, despite significant challenges, the UN indicated.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Iraqi Cabinet Authorises Talks with Chevron
Iraqi Cabinet Authorises Talks with Chevron

Iraq Business

time3 hours ago

  • Iraq Business

Iraqi Cabinet Authorises Talks with Chevron

By John Lee. The Iraqi Cabinet has authorised the Ministry of Oil to sign a non-binding Memorandum of Principles with US oil company Chevron. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's office, the agreement would facilitate negotiations on: The Nasiriyah Block Project, which includes four exploratory blocks (A, B, C, D); The development of the Balad oil field; Any further oil fields or exploratory blocks mutually agreed upon. Chevron announced last week that it has completed its acquisition of Hess Corporation. (Source: PMO)

Iraqi PM Discusses Oil & Gas Investment with US Firm
Iraqi PM Discusses Oil & Gas Investment with US Firm

Iraq Business

time3 hours ago

  • Iraq Business

Iraqi PM Discusses Oil & Gas Investment with US Firm

By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani received a delegation from U.S. oil services firm Morgan Hughes, led by the company's Vice President Gregory Bloom, in a meeting held on Tuesday and attended by Steven Fagin, Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. The talks focused on potential cooperation and investment opportunities, including the development of oil fields and the capture of associated gas. Prime Minister Al-Sudani reiterated Iraq's goal to fully utilise all associated gas produced from its oil fields by 2028. He emphasised that the government seeks to ensure its oil contracts promote local employment, with a particular focus on secondary contracts benefitting the Iraqi private sector. He also stressed the importance of training Iraqi engineers and technicians in the latest technologies used in oil and gas projects. Mr. Bloom expressed his company's interest in partnering with Iraq in gas investment and field development, and in supporting the country's ongoing economic growth through technological cooperation in the energy sector. (Source: PMO)

US eases Syria sanctions, resumes Gaza ceasefire talks
US eases Syria sanctions, resumes Gaza ceasefire talks

Shafaq News

time4 hours ago

  • Shafaq News

US eases Syria sanctions, resumes Gaza ceasefire talks

Shafaq News – Washington The US State Department announced, on Tuesday, a major shift in Middle East policy under the 'America First' framework, aiming to redefine national interests and global engagement priorities. At a press briefing attended by Shafaq News, Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed the easing of select sanctions on Syria, explaining the move as an opportunity for Damascus to pursue stability under conditions that have been clear from the beginning. Bruce said the administration is reassessing Syria's role in the international community as part of a wider review to gauge whether it can function as a responsible state actor. She also noted that all Syrian factions have agreed to halt hostilities, urging the government to lead by prosecuting perpetrators of violence, including those within its own institutions. Watch the Department Press Briefing with @statedeptspox Tammy Bruce, from the Press Briefing Room of the State Department. — Department of State (@StateDept) July 22, 2025 On Gaza, Bruce relayed that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has restarted ceasefire negotiations alongside efforts to secure sustained humanitarian access, while blaming Hamas for derailing the previous truce by manipulating aid shortages for political leverage. The spokesperson condemned the recent killing of over 30 civilians near the Zikim crossing as a direct outcome of what she described as Hamas' calculated exploitation of humanitarian need. Bruce also confirmed the US withdrawal from UNESCO, citing the agency's recognition of Palestine and what Washington views as persistent institutional bias against Israel.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store