Dutch government confirms repatriation of 5 suspected ISIS women from Syria

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Dutch government confirmed on Thursday that it repatriated five Dutch women with alleged affiliations to the Islamic State (ISIS) in a letter to lawmakers. 

In the letter, the Dutch Justice and Security Minister and Dutch Foreign Minister said the government repatriated five Dutch women with alleged affiliations to ISIS for trial to the Netherlands from northern Syria.

It also repatriated the women's 11 children.

In a ruling in July, a Dutch court gave the government of the Netherlands a tight deadline of three months to repatriate five female nationals who have alleged ties to ISIS. 

However, the government said it is difficult to repatriate them on such short notice.

The Dutch government argued repatriation operations can take months or "sometimes even a year" due to logistical preparations and difficult negotiations with the Syrian Kurds.

Read More: Dutch authorities in contact with Syrian Kurds on repatriation efforts: Minister

In June 2021, a Dutch national Ilham B. with alleged ties to ISIS, her two underage children, and another orphaned minor were repatriated from Syria to the Netherlands after a court decision.

Read More: Dutch government confirms return of Dutch woman, children from Syria

Several European countries have shown reluctance to repatriate citizens who are suspected ISIS members due to the security risks involved as well as domestic opposition. 

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the civilian Autonomous Administration in northeast Syria have repeatedly suggested that foreign countries repatriate their citizens stuck in Syria.

Also, on Jan. 26, Sweden repatriated two women and four children from ISIS families.