Return of Iraqis seen by US as easing threat from Syria camp

Many countries refuse to repatriate their citizens who came to join ISIL’s ‘caliphate’.

The Iraqi government for the first time is expected to bring home about 100 Iraqi families from a sprawling camp in Syria next week. The repatriation is a move American officials see as a hopeful sign in a long-frustrated effort to return  thousands of Iraqis from the camp, known as a breeding ground for young ISIL (ISIS) fighters. On an unannounced visit to Syria on Friday, the top US general for the Middle East, Marine General Frank McKenzie, expressed optimism the transfer from the al-Hol camp will happen. He has repeatedly warned youth in the camps are being “radicalised” and will become the next generation of dangerous fighters.