September 26, 2025
Release Number 20250926-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMPA, Fla. – During a United Nations conference Sept. 26 on camps and places of detention in northeast Syria, the commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) called on countries to repatriate their citizens.
Adm. Brad Cooper delivered remarks at the High-Level Conference on the Repatriation of Persons from Al-Hol, Surrounding Camps and Places of Detention, held at the United Nations headquarters in New York City. He encouraged expediting the return of detainees and displaced persons to their home countries and announced plans to establish a new joint coordination process.
“Earlier this month, I visited al-Hol in person and saw first-hand the need to accelerate repatriations.” Cooper told conference attendees. “There has been progress for sure, and I look forward to supercharging this effort together with all of you.”
At their peak in 2019, displaced persons camps at al-Hol and al-Roj housed 70,000 people. Today, the number has fallen below 30,000. Repatriation reduces opportunity for extremist influence, especially among vulnerable women and children.
Cooper announced CENTCOM is establishing a special Joint Repatriation Cell in northeast Syria to coordinate the return of displaced or detained persons to their home countries. He also lauded Iraq’s government, which returned home 80% of its population at al-Hol, for leading repatriation efforts by example.
“Repatriating vulnerable populations before they are radicalized is not just compassion—it is a decisive blow against ISIS’s ability to regenerate,” said Cooper. “Today, I join you all in calling on every nation with detained or displaced personnel in Syria to return your citizens.”
Cooper traveled to Syria in early September and visited the displaced persons camp at al-Hol. He also met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus during another trip that marked the first time a CENTCOM commander visited Syria’s capital. Cooper thanked President al-Sharaa for his support in countering ISIS in Syria, and both leaders committed to meeting in the future.
During the United Nations conference, Cooper urged countries to redouble their efforts to safeguard the vulnerable and deny ISIS the opportunity to rise again.
“The United States will continue supporting the coalition and all nations committed to bringing their citizens home,” he said. “Together, we can ensure the defeat of terror endures as a legacy of peace and stability.”
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