American ISIS Supporters Held by Kurds Back in US Custody

World

October 1st, 1:21pm

Asharq Al-Awsat

A general view of the Department of Justice Building, in Washington, US. Reuters file photo

The United States said on Thursday all known Americans supporting ISIS and being held by Syrian Democratic Forces in Syria have been returned, some to face criminal charges. In a statement, the US Department of Justice said two US ISIS supporters made court appearances in Florida on Wednesday on charges of providing the group material support. That brings the total number of US citizens back in custody from Syria and Iraq to 27, and among those, 10 face charges, it said. Two other Americans facing similar charges faced US court action in Minnesota and Washington on Sept. 16, the department added. "The United States has brought back every American supporter of ISIS known to be held by the Syrian Democratic Forces against whom we have charges," Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Demers said, calling the effort a "moral responsibility." The department also urged other countries, especially those in Western Europe, to act and said it would help them take "responsibility for their citizens who left to take up arms in support of ISIS's reign of hate and intolerance." Europeans make up about one-fifth of the 10,000 ISIS extremists held by Kurdish fighters in Syria, but many European nations have hesitated to repatriate citizens linked to the group for fear of a public backlash.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2540276/american-isis-supporters-held-kurds-back-us-custody