The Kyrgyz Republic has managed to repatriate 95 wives and children of militants from detention camps in Syria, in the third operation by the Central Asian country.
According to a statement released by the Foreign Minister, Jeenbek Kulubaev, on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, a group of 31 women and 64 children, all of whom hold Kyrgyzstan citizenship, have been repatriated from Syria to Kyrgyzstan. However, the statement did not include specific information regarding the number of Kyrgyz nationals who are still residing in internment camps located in North-Eastern Syria.
A significant number of nationals from Kyrgyzstan have recruited with extremist groups in Syria, leading to the complex matter of repatriating the families of ISIS militants who have been apprehended or deceased, which poses challenges for numerous nations.
The ministry expressed its gratitude to the United States for providing comprehensive assistance and logistical support during the operation. In addition, the ministry extended its appreciation to UNICEF and Red Cross.
Kyrgyzstan has successfully repatriated its nationals on two separate occasions from Syria and Iraq. In March 2021, a total of 79 minors were repatriated. Similarly, in February this year, an additional 59 women and children were successfully returned.
