U.S., SDF Capture ISIS Facilitator Khaled al-Dandal

The United States and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) captured ISIS facilitator Khaled Ahmed al-Dandal early on Sunday, September 1, following his involvement in aiding the escape of five ISIS detainees from a detention facility in Raqqa, Syria. The escapees included nationals from Russia, Libya, and Afghanistan, two of whom have been recaptured by SDF forces. CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla emphasized the ongoing threat posed by over 9,000 ISIS detainees in SDF-run facilities, describing them as a 'literal and figurative ISIS Army.' The operation underscores the continued efforts to mitigate ISIS resurgence and ensure regional stability. This capture follows a recent U.S. raid in Iraq that resulted in the deaths of 15 ISIS militants and injuries to seven U.S. service members. Efforts continue to repatriate detainees to their countries of origin to prevent ISIS resurgence.