Iraq wants to bring French ISIS jihadists to justice

Iraq wants to do put 13 French members of the terrorist militia "Islamic State" on trial.

Iraq wants to bring 13 French jihadists of the terrorist militia "Islamic State" to justice, which was announced by Iraqi President Barham Salih following a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

Salih said that 13 French ISIS members are convicted "under Iraqi law," which threatens them possibly the death penalty. The Islamists were guilty of "crimes against Iraq and Iraqi institutions," Salih continued, without giving details.

French President Macron welcomed the decision and said that Iraq can "sovereignly" decide on the jihadists. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had handed over the extremists captured in East Syria to Iraq.

"Iraq must be protected from the crises of the Middle East"

Macron vowed to remain loyal to Baghdad in the fight against ISIS. "This country must be protected from the crises of the Middle East, regardless of whether it is Syria or Iran," said the French president. In this context -he said- the permanent presence of the international anti-ISIS coalition is a key element.

Over 800 foreign ISIS jihadists in custody

In total there are more than 800 foreign-ISIS jihadists under arrest in northern and eastern Syria, including 130 Islamists from France and nearly 40 German with about 80 children.

Since the 9th of February the final phase of the SDF’s “Operation Cizirê Storm" is being run in the eastern Syrian region of Deir ez-Zor. The final battle is carried out over four axes and is focused on al-Bagouz, the last retreat place of ISIS in eastern Syria in the southeast of the Hajin town. Since the offensive was launched in September 2018, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have rescued around 25,000 people from the ISIS-rule.