DIRCO denies repatriation of former ISIS fighters
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has described recent reports of the repatriation of hundreds of former ISIS fighters to South Africa as "false and irresponsible".
Various media reports alleged that the repatriation took place through a "secret operation carried out since 2019".
"The reports have no factual basis", says DIRCO spokesperson, Clayson Monyela.
"The South African Embassy in Syria is monitoring the situation of 16 women and children who are in Syria, to confirm their South African citizenship and provide assistance.
"Consultations with Syrian authorities are ongoing in this regard.
It is important to note that Dirco is entrusted with the responsibility of providing Consular Services to any South African in distress abroad, in a transparent manner and within the framework of the South African and International Law.
"The newspaper reports alleging that DIRCO has facilitated the repatriation of hundreds of ISIS fighters are devoid of any truth and violate the Press Code."
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