Iraq receives 81 ISIS families from Syria
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Iraq Business
2 hours ago
- Iraq Business
Iraq to produce 12GW of Solar Power by 2030
By John Lee. The Iraqi Oil Ministry's Undersecretary for Distribution Affairs, Ali Maarij, has said that Iraq aims to incorporate 12 Gigawatts (GW) of solar power into its energy mix by 2030, alongside intensified efforts to capture natural gas and reduce flaring. He made the comments at a ceremony to launch a major new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) on the status and outlook of Iraq's energy transition. Maarij described the report as the result of close cooperation between the Iraqi government-represented by the Ministries of Oil and Electricity-and IRENA. He noted that it offers a comprehensive assessment of Iraq's current energy landscape, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities along the path to cleaner energy. For more details on the report click here. (Source: Ministry of Oil)
Shafaq News
6 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Syria to hold first election after Al-Assad in September
Shafaq News – Damascus Syria is set to hold parliamentary elections from September 15 to 20 with more seats and outside monitoring, the chairman of the Supreme Elections Committee confirmed on Sunday. The Head of the Supreme Committee for People's Assembly Elections, Mohammad al-Ahmad, told Syria's state-run SANA that the revised system increases the number of assembly seats from 150 to 210, with 70 members to be directly appointed by the president. He noted that the allocation of seats will reflect population figures from Syria's 2011 census, leading to expanded representation for several provinces. The Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa, during his meeting with al-Ahmad, stressed the importance of conducting elections in all Syrian provinces, reiterating his rejection of any form of division—an approach he described as universally opposed by the Syrian people. He also emphasized the exclusion of individuals who supported 'criminal elements' or promoted sectarianism and separatism. Following the signing of the electoral decree, the committee will have one week to form local subcommittees, which will then be given 15 days to select the voting bodies. Afterward, candidate registration will open, with nominees granted one week to prepare their platforms before engaging in debates with selection bodies and subcommittee members. Al-Ahmad indicated that at least 20 percent of the electorate bodies will include women, reflecting efforts to promote gender inclusion in the voting process. The elections will be monitored by domestic observers and international organizations, coordinated by the Supreme Electoral Committee. Authorities will also guarantee the right to challenge candidate lists and final results, he added.
Shafaq News
6 hours ago
- Shafaq News
What We Know So Far: Armed PMF Faction storms ministry office
Shafaq News – Baghdad Armed clashes erupted Sunday morning between members of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and Iraqi security forces at a Ministry of Agriculture office in the Dora district, south of Baghdad. The incident left two people dead—including a civilian passerby—and injured at least twelve others. According to Iraq's Joint Operations Command, the gunmen belonged to PMF Brigades 45 and 46, affiliated with the Kataib Hezbollah faction. The command said the group stormed a government building and exchanged fire with state security personnel tasked with protecting public institutions. Security forces arrested 14 suspects during the operation. Upon verifying their identities, authorities confirmed all belonged to the aforementioned PMF brigades. Legal proceedings have been initiated, and the detainees have been referred to the judiciary. The Iraqi Interior Ministry provided further details, revealing that the armed group broke into the Ministry of Agriculture's office in western Baghdad during an internal meeting, prompting panic among employees who called for immediate help. Several officers and personnel sustained injuries in the confrontation. Security sources told Shafaq News that the incident originated from a dispute between two individuals affiliated with the PMF over an administrative appointment. When the newly appointed director attempted to assume his duties, the current officeholder refused to hand over the position. The incoming official reportedly returned with an armed group, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Military and security officials from Baghdad Operations Command, the Federal Police, and the PMF's own internal security directorate later intervened to de-escalate the situation. Authorities confirmed the site is now secure and no further violence has been reported. Prime Minister Orders Accountability In response, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, held an emergency meeting with senior military officials. He ordered that all individuals involved in the attack be held accountable in accordance with Iraqi law. Al-Sudani emphasized the state's responsibility to protect its institutions and called for a thorough and professional investigation, warning that 'no one is above the law' and that unauthorized armed actions will not be tolerated. PMF Leadership Disavows Incident The PMF Commission issued a statement Sunday evening pledging full cooperation with authorities. It reaffirmed that the PMF operates under the command of the Iraqi state and that any individual or group acting outside established procedures would face consequences. 'The PMF exists to serve the nation and act in coordination with official security institutions,' the statement read. 'Any individual or group that steps outside this framework is violating the law and the principles of the PMF.'
