Trump urges European countries to take back 800 IS fighters captured in Syria
US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces fighters take up positions against Isis militants in Baghuz. Photograph: Felipe Dana/AP
Washington (IraqiNews.com) – U.S. President Donald Trump has called on European countries to take back their nationals fighting with Islamic State terror group in Syria and put them on trial as the U.S. is close to announcing the fall of the final IS-held town in the Arab country.
“The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany and other European allies to take back over 800 Isis (acronym for Islamic State) fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial,” Trump tweeted Sunday.
“The Caliphate is ready to fall. The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them.”
Trump’s call comes amid an intense debate between U.S. politicians and military over how to unilaterally withdraw 2,000 American troops in north-west Syria, a decision declared by Trump in December 2018.
“The US does not want to watch as these Isis fighters permeate Europe, which is where they are expected to go. We do so much, and spend so much – Time for others to step up and do the job that they are so capable of doing. We are pulling back after 100% Caliphate victory!”