NINEWA: PENDING RELEASES OF FOREIGN INSURGENT

S E C R E T BAGHDAD 004016 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/27/2016 TAGS: PGOV PHUM PTER KJUS IZ SUBJECT: NINEWA: PENDING RELEASES OF FOREIGN INSURGENT PRISONERS Classified By: Ninewa PRT Leader James Knight. Reasons 1.4(b) and (d). This is a Ninewa Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) message. ¶1. (C) Summary: Authorities at Ninewa's Badush Prison remain urgently concerned about the pending release of 150 foreign fighters, at least one of whom is an admitted al-Qaeda member. These prisoners have completed sentences and, absent other arrangements, will be released at the prison and are widely expected to rejoin insurgent groups shortly thereafter. End summary. ¶2. (C) COL Ra'ad Abu Fuad, Director of the Mosul Regional Confinement Facility (AKA Badush Prison), has repeatedly expressed grave concern of the consequences if he releases alien insurgents who are scheduled for release from his facility. On 18 May 2006, Ra'ad flagged this problem to PRT staff, pointing out that he was unsure of the proper procedure for deportation of eleven foreign insurgents who had completed their sentences at that time. His primary concern was that security in the province would be exacerbated by release of these individuals in Ninewa. ¶3. (C) Ra'ad reiterated these concerns in an 8 August meeting with PRT Team Leader Knight and senior maneuver commanders. Ra'ad then queried travel documents required for these foreign insurgents and steps necessary to assure their repatriation.. Most recently on 5 October, Ra'ad emphasized his hope to deport these individuals to their home countries rather than release them in Ninewa. He noted that 15 insurgents are due for imminent release. ¶4. (S) There are approximately 150 imprisoned alien insurgents eligible for release now or in the near term. Known countries of origin include Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, France, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunis, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and Yemen. ¶5. (S) Both logistical and administrative support from national Iraqi authorities -- probably assisted by Coalition forces -- are necessary to assure these individuals are returned to their countries of origin. In addition, coordination of their repatriation to those countries is necessary. The GOI does not have diplomatic representation in Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Kuwait, Libya, Palestine, Russia, Saudi Arabia, or Somalia - - repatriation to those countries will probably require USG engagement. ¶6. (C) Comment: The urgency of resolving this issue is apparent. Release of these former insurgents in Ninewa could reverse the so far extraordinarily successful efforts of Coalition and Iraqi forces to disrupt insurgent networks in this province and elsewhere in northern Iraq, since they are likely to rejoin the insurgent cells from which they operated. End comment. KHALILZAD