US captures Da'esh leader in Syria

Al-Dandal who was apprehended on September 1, is accused of facilitating support for Da'esh fighters

US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces, in coordination with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) militant group, have captured Da'esh leader Khaled Ahmed al-Dandal.

Al-Dandal, who was apprehended on September 1, is accused of facilitating support for Da'esh terrorists, including those who recently escaped from the Raqqah Detention Facility in Syria.

On August 29, five detainees, including two Russians, two Afghans, and one Libyan, escaped from the facility.

The US-backed SDF militant group has since recaptured two of them, Imam Abdulwahed Akhwan (Russian) and Muhammad Noh Muhammad (Libyan). The search continues for the remaining three escapees.

With over 9,000 Da'esh detainees held across 20 SDF facilities, the threat of escape and potential Da'esh resurgence remains a concern.

CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla emphasised the importance of repatriating these fighters to prevent future threats and ensure regional stability.

The recent capture follows a separate raid in Western Iraq, where at least 15 Da'esh operatives were killed.

These events highlight ongoing security concerns as terrorist activities continue to pose risks globally.

The US-backed SDF is the Syrian offshoot of the PKK group. The PKK is recognised as a terror group by the US, UK , EU and Turkiye.

The outfit has been waging a deaedly campaign against the Turkish state that has claimed the lives of more than 40,000 during the past few decades.