Austria refuses to repatriate captured IS fighters -- minister

VIENNA, Feb 23 (KUNA) -- Austria does not intend to take back citizens captured among the ranks of the so-called Islamic State (IS) group, its interior minister Herbert Kickl said on Saturday.
The "terrorists" and their families are strictly banned from entering Austria, the minister said, in reference to around 30 to 60 Austrian nationals who joined IS of their own volition. He highlighted the protection of the Austrian people as the government's "primary concern," saying these captured fighters are a "time bomb" that could threaten the nation's security.
US President Donald Trump urged European allies last week to "take back over 800" IS fighters captured in Syria and put them on trial. (end) mah.mk.nam