Trump urges Europe to 'take back' captured Daesh terrorists
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday the United States was asking European allies to "take back over 800" Daesh terrorists captured in Syria and put them on trial. "The Caliphate is ready to fall," he said in a Tweet. "The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them..."
- World
- Agencies and A News
- Published Date: 01:41 | 17 February 2019
- Modified Date: 01:41 | 17 February 2019
U.S. President Donald Trump late Saturday urged European states to "take back" hundreds of foreign Daesh terrorists captured in Syria and prosecute them.
"The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany and other European allies to take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial," Trump tweeted.
"The Caliphate is ready to fall. The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them," he warned, referring to Daesh terror group.
He said the U.S. does not want to watch as Daesh terrorists "permeate Europe, which is where they are expected to go".
The president reiterated his plan to pull back the U.S. troops from Syria "after 100% Caliphate victory!"
In December, he made a surprise announcement that the U.S. would be withdrawing all troops from Syria, and said Daesh had been defeated in the country.
Since then, no troops have been withdrawn, however, last month the Pentagon confirmed additional troops were being sent to protect American forces and equipment as they prepare to leave.