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

U.S. forces, in collaboration with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), captured ISIS facilitator Khaled Ahmed al-Dandal, who aided in the escape of ISIS fighters from a Syrian detention facility. This operation follows the recent escape of five ISIS detainees from the Raqqah Detention Facility, with two recaptured and three still at large. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) highlights the ongoing threat posed by over 9,000 ISIS detainees in more than 20 SDF facilities, describing them as a 'literal and figurative ISIS Army.' CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla warned that a mass escape would pose extreme dangers to the region and beyond. The capture of al-Dandal comes shortly after a separate raid in Iraq that resulted in the deaths of 15 ISIS militants and injuries to seven American troops. Efforts continue to repatriate detainees to their countries of origin to prevent ISIS resurgence.