Iraq’s self-titled Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) have rescued a citizen kidnapped by ISIS in 2014 and returned him from Syria to Iraq after 11 years in captivity, local newspapers reported.

The group backed by Iran but operating primarily in northern and western Iraq has turned its attention in recent months, gradually aligning with the Al-Sudani government in Baghdad.

Intelligence from the Nineveh Operations Command of the Popular Mobilisation Forces, in coordination with Iraqi intelligence services, succeeded in freeing one of the kidnapping victims of crimes committed by the terrorist Isis organisation in 2014 during its control of Tal Afar district in Nineveh province, Al-Youm Al-Akhbariya reported on June 26.

The citizen had lost all 28 members of his family after the terrorist organisation executed them during its invasion of the area. Intelligence information obtained by the command's intelligence revealed the citizen's presence in Syrian territory.

Following direct contact with him, the necessary procedures were coordinated to secure his transfer to Iraqi territory.

Iraqi intelligence from the Nineveh Operations Command of the Popular Mobilisation Forces successfully executed the operation, returning him to his relatives and cousins in Tal Afar district amid emotional scenes of joy and warm reception.

The operation represents one of the outstanding humanitarian achievements in efforts to return kidnapped victims and reveal the fate of terrorism victims, confirming the commitment of Iraqi security services to their national and humanitarian responsibilities.