DIRCO disputes reports on ISIS fighters returning to SA

• Published date: 23 May 2022
• Publication title: South African Official News

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has disputed reports alleging that the department has facilitated the repatriation of hundreds of ISIS fighters.

This follows media reports indicating that hundreds of former ISIS fighters have been repatriated to South Africa through a 'secret operation' carried out since 2019.

DIRCO spokesperson, Clayson Monyela, said the reports have no factual basis.

Monyela said the South African Embassy in Syria is monitoring the situation of 16 women and children who are in Syria, to confirm their South African citizenship and provide assistance.

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