US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces, in coordination with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), have captured Khaled Ahmed al-Dandal, a key leader of Da’esh, on September 1. Al-Dandal is accused of supporting Da’esh terrorists, including those who recently escaped from the Raqqah Detention Facility in Syria.
On August 29, five detainees — two Russians, two Afghans, and one Libyan — escaped from the facility. The US-backed SDF has since recaptured two of them: Russian Imam Abdulwahed Akhwan and Libyan Muhammad Noh Muhammad. The search for the remaining three escapees is ongoing.
The SDF currently holds over 9,000 Da’esh detainees across 20 facilities, raising concerns about potential escapes and a possible resurgence of Da’esh. CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla stressed the need for repatriating these fighters to prevent future threats and ensure regional stability.
This capture follows a recent raid in Western Iraq, where at least 15 Da’esh operatives were killed, underscoring the ongoing global security challenges posed by terrorist activities.
The SDF is recognized as the Syrian offshoot of the PKK, a group classified as a terrorist organization by the US, UK, EU, and Turkey. The PKK has led a deadly campaign against Turkey that has claimed over 40,000 lives in recent decades.
