Yazidi woman rescued after decade-long captivity by Hamas
What's the story
A 21-year-old Yazidi woman, Fawzia Amin Sido, who was kidnapped at the tender age of 11 by ISIS terrorists and subsequently held captive by Hamas for 10 years, has been rescued.
The rescue operation was led by the United States and executed in Gaza by Israeli forces.
Upon her release earlier this week, an emotional reunion with her family awaited Sido in her native Iraq.
Emotional reunion
Israeli forces reunite kidnapped Yazidi woman with family
"Fawzia, a Yazidi girl kidnapped by ISIS from Iraq and brought to Gaza at just 11 years old, has finally been rescued by the Israeli security forces," tweeted David Saranga, the director of the digital diplomacy bureau at Israel's foreign ministry.
Saranga further revealed that Sido was held captive for years by a Palestinian Hamas-ISIS member.
He said that her story serves as a stark reminder of the brutality faced by Yazidi children who are taken without choice.
Health status
Yazidi woman's condition post-rescue
Sido is reported to be in good physical condition following her rescue, according to Iraqi officials. However, the mental trauma she endured during her decade-long captivity remains a concern.
The ISIS terrorist group had captured more than 6,000 Yazidis in 2014, many of whom were sold into sexual slavery or trained as child soldiers.
Rescue mission
Details of the coordinated international rescue operation
The rescue operation was a coordinated effort involving Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and the United States.
The military stated that Sido was rescued from the Gaza Strip through a secret mission at the Kerem Shalom crossing.
Reports indicate that Iraqi officials had been in contact with Sido for several months prior to her rescue and she had also provided information to US officials.
Rescue difficulties
Challenges faced during the rescue operation
The rescue efforts for Sido had been ongoing for months, according to Iraqi officials. However, the operation faced several setbacks due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
Despite these challenges, Sido's captor was recently killed which led her to seek repatriation.
The details of the rescue operation remain undisclosed but it is confirmed that it involved cooperation between multiple nations over a period of more than four months.
Homecoming
Confirmation of Sido's return to Iraq
The Iraqi foreign ministry confirmed Sido's return and praised the cooperation between the United States and Jordan.
"The girl was handed over to her family this (Thursday) evening after returning to Iraq," stated the ministry, without mentioning Gaza or Israel.
In Washington, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller reiterated that Sido was kidnapped by ISIS in Iraq at age 11, sold, and forced to marry a Hamas fighter in Gaza against her will.
US involvement
US role in Sido's rescue and repatriation
Matthew Miller, a State Department spokesman, detailed the circumstances of Sido's captivity and escape.
He stated that the recent death of her captor in Gaza allowed her to escape.
The Iraqi government contacted the United States after learning about her escape and desire to return home.
Miller confirmed that the United States worked with regional partners to ensure Sido's safe exit from Gaza and return home.