In a significant development, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Kidnapped Yezidi Rescue Office announced the successful rescue and reunion of two Yezidi teenage girls who had been abducted by the so-called Islamic State (ISIS). The sisters, identified as Basma Khalaf (14) and ‘Aliya Khalaf (12), were freed from the notorious Al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria, which houses alleged family members of former ISIS militants.

Basma and ‘Aliya were kidnapped by ISIS in August 2014 from Sinjar, a predominantly Yezidi town in northwest Iraq. Sinjar had witnessed severe human rights violations, including acts amounting to genocide according to the United Nations. While their parents and siblings remain in ISIS custody, the two sisters were joyously greeted by their relatives in Duhok province with flowers and candies upon their release.

Hussein Qaedee, the head of the KRG Kidnapped Yezidi Rescue Office, revealed that the office had been diligently working on securing the girls' freedom for nearly three months. This successful operation adds to the growing number of rescued Yezidi girls and women, with over 3,500 having been saved so far. Qaedee reaffirmed the office's commitment to continuing their efforts until every abducted Yezidi is brought to safety.

Only last month, six other Yezidi women were rescued from ISIS captivity with the invaluable support of the rescue office. The establishment of this dedicated office has played a crucial role in aiding the escape of numerous Yezidi women and girls from ISIS captivity, as acknowledged by Nadia Murad, a Yezidi Nobel Peace Laureate and survivor of sexual violence.

Despite the persistent efforts, approximately 2,700 Yezidi women still remain missing, having been abducted nine years ago alongside more than 6,000 other Yezidis. The rescue office and its partners vow to continue their tireless work until all Yezidi abductees are brought back to their families and reintegrated into society.

The rescue and reunion of Basma Khalaf and ‘Aliya Khalaf represent a beacon of hope amidst the ongoing struggle to free all Yezidi victims from the clutches of ISIS. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Yezidi community and their supporters, who remain committed to ensuring justice, healing, and the restoration of lives affected by the atrocities committed by ISIS.