US Sending Foreign Inmates Home From Iraq

Repatriation 'in the works' for some of 200 fighters still in detention

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 5, 2008 3:08 PM CDT

(Newser) – Seeking to cut the number of detainees it holds, the US military has begun releasing foreign fighters captured in Iraq to their home countries, USA Today reports. The past two months have seen the first such releases, with some 15 detainees heading to Saudi Arabia and five to Egypt. The military currently holds some 200 foreigners—down from 450 about 2 years ago.

“Our goal is to put ourselves out of business and return all detainees to their homes or to (Iraqi government) jurisdiction,” said a military rep. The released detainees’ home countries say they will prevent the ex-fighters from engaging in more terrorism, and will treat them fairly—though one expert says those promises may not hold.

Blindfolded detainees are escorted to the joint Iraqi-US military headquarters in Youssifiyah, south of Baghdad, May 2, 2007. (AP Photo)

In this Aug. 26, 2007, file photo, a prisoner reads the Koran in Baghdad, Iraq. The US is putting some of its detainees in Iraqi government hands. (AP Photo)

Released detainees sit in a US army compound in Baghdad, Nov. 8, 2007. The first captured foreign fighters to be sent home from Iraq returned to their countries in June and July. (AP Photo)

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US Sending Foreign Inmates Home From Iraq

Repatriation 'in the works' for some of 200 fighters still in detention

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Repatriation 'in the works' for some of 200 fighters still in detention

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Iraq • terrorism • US military • release • detainees

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Suicide Bomb Kills 50 in Iraq

Blast at Shia mosque occurs hours after PM's warning

US: Do We Dare Turn Detainees Over to Iraqis?

Security deal could see Iraqi authorities handed thousands of prisoners they can't handle

63 Dead as Explosions Rip Baghdad

First major violence after US troop pullout rattles Iraq

Senate Passes Controversial $662B Defense Bill

Would allow US citizens suspected of terrorism to be held without trial

As US Leaves Iraq, It Eyes a Beefier Gulf Presence

US military looking to increase defense ties with states around region

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