CENTCOM urges countries to repatriate citizens from NE Syria camps

The U.S. Central Command has called on countries to repatriate their citizens from camps in northeast Syria, stressing that such a step is both a humanitarian act and a safeguard against the resurgence of ISIS. The appeal came during a UN conference in New York, where plans were announced to establish a joint coordination cell to accelerate repatriation efforts.

26 September, 2025 23:23

NEWS DESK

At the high-level meeting on “Repatriating Individuals from al-Hol Camp and Surrounding Facilities,” Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of CENTCOM, encouraged faster returns of detainees and displaced persons and unveiled plans for a new coordination mechanism.

“I visited al-Hol camp myself earlier this month and saw the urgent need to speed up repatriations. There has been progress, but I look forward to doubling these efforts with all of you,” Cooper said.

He announced that CENTCOM is creating a “Joint Repatriation Cell” in NE Syria to coordinate the return of displaced persons and detainees to their home countries.

“Repatriating vulnerable groups before they fall prey to radicalization is not just a humanitarian duty—it is a decisive blow against ISIS’s ability to regroup. Today I join you in urging every state with nationals in Syria to bring them home,” Cooper added.

Earlier this month, Cooper visited NE Syria, including al-Hol camp, and met with Mazloum Abdi, commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces.

At the UN conference, he urged countries to intensify their efforts to protect vulnerable groups and prevent ISIS from exploiting the situation.

“The United States will continue to support the coalition and all nations committed to repatriating their citizens. Together, we can ensure that the defeat of terrorism remains a lasting legacy of peace and stability,” he concluded.

a.k

ANHA