Dutch nationals held in former IS rehabilitation camp: BBC reports
Dutch nationals are being held in a secret internment camp for former Islamic State militants and their families in Syria, the BBC said on Wednesday.
Some 300 defectors and captured fighters are being held at the camp operated by the rebel group Jaysh al-Tahrir, the broadcaster said.
Its commander, Mohammad al-Ghabi, told the BBC: ‘We tried to rehabilitate them and alter their state of minds… Those who wished to return home were allowed to call their embassies and co-ordinate with them through us.’
Among the former fighters trh BBC spoke to is Abu Sumail, a Dutch national who joined IS a couple of years ago but wants to go home.
Speaking about his life in IS territory he said: ‘They treat us very bad, especially people from another country… You give your life to them, so they are going to start to take control of your life. They use you for bad stuff.’
The BBC said it had also learned that an underground railroad is being created in Syria, with other rebel groups and British and European intelligence services, to find, capture and return IS supporters.
Thank you for donating to DutchNews.nl.
We could not provide the Dutch News service, and keep it free of charge, without the generous support of our readers. Your donations allow us to report on issues you tell us matter, and provide you with a summary of the most important Dutch news each day.
Make a donation