France Changes Position on Returning Jihadists Amid U.S. Withdrawal from Syria, Reports Reuters

By Sophie Louet and John Irish

PARIS – France is preparing for the return of numerous French jihadists currently held by Kurdish authorities in Syria, following the announcement of the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region, as stated by its interior minister. This signifies a shift in Paris’ approach to the issue.

Like other European countries, France has been grappling with the dilemma of how to manage suspected militants and their families wanting to return from conflict zones in Iraq and Syria, as well as those in custody after the significant territorial losses of the Islamic State.

Up to this point, the French government had firmly refused to accept back fighters and their spouses. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian previously described them as "enemies" of the state who ought to face justice either in Syria or Iraq.

"The Americans are pulling back from Syria, and there are individuals in custody due to their presence. They will likely seek to return to France," Christophe Castaner told BFM TV. He emphasized the need for those returning to be swiftly handed over to the judicial system, addressing an unverified report that suggested 130 French jihadists may be released in the near future.

According to military and diplomatic sources, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, supported by 2,000 U.S. troops and air support from various nations including France, are currently detaining approximately 150 French citizens in northeastern Syria, which includes around 50 adults.

Aside from families, officials estimate that another 250 French jihadists remain active in Syria, with around 150 in the Hajin region—one of the last areas controlled by the Islamic State in eastern Syria—and roughly 100 in the Idlib province.

French officials privately acknowledge that a reconsideration of the policy toward citizens who traveled to the Middle East as jihadists is becoming unavoidable. France is also attempting to repatriate minors on an individual basis.

The swift U.S. withdrawal from Syria has raised concerns in Paris that French jihadists may scatter or be captured by the Syrian government if Kurdish forces reach a peace agreement with Damascus.

"Given the changing military landscape in northeastern Syria and U.S. decisions, we are exploring all options to prevent the escape and dispersion of these potentially dangerous individuals, all for the safety of the French people," stated foreign ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll during a daily briefing.

In addition to the complex issue of returning jihadists, France faces the ongoing challenge of homegrown extremism, especially in light of a series of deadly attacks carried out by militants over the past three years.