DAMASCUS: US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces, in collaboration with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), have captured Khaled Ahmed al-Dandal, a prominent Da’esh leader. Al-Dandal was apprehended on September 1 and is accused of facilitating support for Da’esh terrorists, including those who recently escaped from the Raqqah Detention Facility in Syria.
The escape of five detainees from the facility on August 29, including two Russians, two Afghans, and one Libyan, prompted significant security concerns. The SDF has recaptured two of the escapees—Imam Abdulwahed Akhwan (Russian) and Muhammad Noh Muhammad (Libyan)—while the search continues for the remaining three.
With over 9,000 Da’esh detainees held across 20 SDF facilities, the risk of escape and the potential resurgence of Da’esh remain pressing issues. CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla stressed the importance of repatriating these fighters to prevent future threats and maintain regional stability.
The recent capture follows a separate raid in Western Iraq, where at least 15 Da’esh operatives were killed. These developments underscore ongoing security challenges as terrorist activities continue to pose global risks. The SDF, backed by the US, is an offshoot of the PKK, a group recognized as a terrorist organization by the US, UK, EU, and Turkey. The PKK has waged a deadly campaign against the Turkish state, resulting in over 40,000 casualties in recent decades.
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