An American citizen who joined the Islamic State in Syria has been captured by advancing U.S.-led coalition forces, according to a new report.
The American jihadist was reportedly captured by Syrian Kurds, who have been one of the most effective local fighting forces working to destroy the self-proclaimed caliphate. The Kurds, who have formed an umbrella unit called the Syrian Democratic Forces that includes some Arab partners, then handed him over to U.S. officials.
“[T]he detention of an American fighting for ISIS on an active battlefield would set up a major decision for Donald Trump about the future of wartime captures,” according to the Daily Beast, which first reported the capture. “It is not clear where the American is currently being held.”
U.S. officials had little to say about the report.
“We have no information to share at this time,” a State Department official told the Washington Examiner. “In general, we closely monitor all reports of U.S. citizens who may have joined groups to fight with or fight against ISIS. To be clear, the U.S. government does not support U.S. citizens traveling to Iraq or Syria to join the ongoing conflict. Any private U.S. citizens/civilians who may have traveled to Iraq or Syria to take part in these activities are neither in support of nor part of U.S. efforts in the region.”
The Defense Department has been similarly circumspect. “The Coalition’s mission is to defeat ISIS in Syria and Iraq, and we will pursue ISIS fighters regardless of nationality,” Maj. Earl Brown, a military spokesman, told the Daily Beast.
