An intelligence and security company is leading an investigation to find the remains of American hostages murdered by ISIS more than a decade ago in Syria. The recovery mission, funded by the Qatari government, has unearthed human remains in shallow graves and is conducting DNA analysis to identify the victims. The operation is taking place in a village near the city of Aleppo, on a hill considered holy and symbolic by ISIS.
Key Points
Operation led by the Soufan Group to find remains of American hostages murdered by ISIS in Syria
Funded by the Qatari government, the mission has unearthed human remains in shallow graves
DNA analysis being conducted to identify the recovered remains
Location chosen for its symbolic importance to ISIS
Pros
Close to identifying the remains of American hostages
Providing closure to families of the victims
Operation funded and supported by the Qatari government
Cons
Risk of encountering ISIS sleeper cells in the area
Uncertainty about the identity of the recovered remains