US Captures ISIS Leader Aiding Escapees In Syria

The seal for the U.S. Central Command is displayed on Feb. 6, 2017, at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. The U.S. military says it has captured an operator for the Islamic State extremist group duri

The US Central Command has successfully captured Khaled Ahmed al-Dandal, an ISIS leader who assisted escapees of the terror group in Syria. Al-Dandal was apprehended early Sunday morning with the help of the Syrian Democratic Forces. He had been aiding ISIS fighters who had fled detention facilities in Syria, including some who recently escaped from the Raqqa detention facility.

Following the recent escape of five ISIS detainees from the Raqqa facility, the Syrian Democratic Forces managed to recapture two of them, while three remain at large. Currently, more than 9,000 ISIS detainees are held in over 20 detention facilities in Syria, posing a significant security challenge as the group attempts to free its members.

General Erik Kurilla, the commander of US Central Command, emphasized the importance of repatriating these ISIS fighters to their respective countries for legal proceedings, highlighting the potential threat posed by a large-scale escape of these militants.

Recent Military Operations Against ISIS

Syrian Democratic Forces assist in capturing ISIS leader.

Khaled Ahmed al-Dandal captured for aiding ISIS escapees in Syria.

Nine thousand ISIS detainees held in over 20 facilities in Syria.

The capture of al-Dandal follows a separate raid in Iraq targeting ISIS hideouts, resulting in the injury of seven US service members. The operation, conducted in collaboration with the Iraqi Security Forces, led to the elimination of 15 ISIS militants, including several leaders of the group.

According to defense officials, all injured service members are currently in stable condition, with one individual evacuated for further medical treatment. These recent military actions underscore the ongoing efforts to combat ISIS and ensure regional security.