WASHINGTON, Jan 22 (KUNA) -- Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States welcomes the Government of Iraq's initiative to detain ISIS terrorists in secure facilities in Iraq, following recent instability in northeast Syria. "The United States appreciates the Iraqi government's leadership and supports this bold initiative to ensure that ISIS terrorists cannot roam freely throughout the region," he said in a press release on Thursday. "As a member of the Coalition to Defeat ISIS, Iraq is on the front line in confronting the threat that ISIS still poses to all countries.
"Non-Iraqi terrorists will be in Iraq temporarily; the United States urges countries to take responsibility and repatriate their citizens in these facilities to face justice. "This is a critical part of a long-term framework to prevent an ISIS resurgence, in line with proper burden sharing among Coalition members," Secretary Rubio added.
Yesterday, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced a plan for "an orderly and secure transfer of up to 7,000 detainees," including members of the so-called Islamic State (ISIS), from north Syria to neighboring Iraq. (end) amm.gb