Letter to Shamima's family: UK revokes Shamima's Citizenship

Britain will strip citizenship from Shamima Begum, a UK teenager who joined the Islamic State group in Syria and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-teen-who-joined-is-has-given-birth-in-syria-family-197927">wants to return home with a newborn baby</a>, a lawyer for her family said Tuesday.&nbsp;

"Family are very disappointed with the Home Office's intention to have an order made depriving Shamima of her citizenship," their lawyer Tasnime Akunjee said on Twitter.&nbsp;

"We are considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision," he wrote.

ITV News reported that the Home Office has sent a letter to Begum's mother, received Tuesday, notifying the family of the decision, which it said Begum had the right to appeal.

The Home Office -- Britain's interior ministry -- did not immediately reply to a request for comment from AFP.

The 19-year-old East London native joined IS in Syria in 2015 along with two classmates.

She is currently in a &nbsp;refugee camp in northeast Syria where she fled fighting in the east of the country along with hundreds of other people with links to IS.&nbsp;

At the weekend she gave birth to her third child, and asked the British authorities to show "compassion" by allowing her to raise the baby in Britain -- while expressing no regret over having joined IS.

Her other two babies died, apparently from illness and malnutrition.

Begum's case points up a dilemma facing many European countries, divided over whether to bar jihadists from returning home over security concerns, or allowing them to return to face prosecution.

Britain will strip citizenship from Shamima Begum, a UK teenager who joined the Islamic State group in Syria and wants to return home with a newborn baby, a lawyer for her family said Tuesday.

Britain will strip citizenship from Shamima Begum, a UK teenager who joined the Islamic State group in Syria and wants to return home with a newborn baby, a lawyer for her family said Tuesday. "Family are very disappointed with the Home Office's intention to have an order made depriving Shamima of her citizenship," their lawyer Tasnime Akunjee said on Twitter. "We are considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision," he wrote. ITV News reported that the Home Office has sent a letter to Begum's mother, received Tuesday, notifying the family of the decision, which it said Begum had the right to appeal. The Home Office -- Britain's interior ministry -- did not immediately reply to a request for comment from AFP. The 19-year-old East London native joined IS in Syria in 2015 along with two classmates. She is currently in a refugee camp in northeast Syria where she fled fighting in the east of the country along with hundreds of other people with links to IS. At the weekend she gave birth to her third child, and asked the British authorities to show "compassion" by allowing her to raise the baby in Britain -- while expressing no regret over having joined IS. Her other two babies died, apparently from illness and malnutrition. Begum's case points up a dilemma facing many European countries, divided over whether to bar jihadists from returning home over security concerns, or allowing them to return to face prosecution.

Britain to strip teen who joined Islamic State of citizenship: Lawyer

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-says-pulwama-attack-a-horrible-situation-198413">Trump says Pulwama attack a 'horrible situation'</a>

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday described as a "horrible situation" the Pulwama terrorist attack by the Jaish-e-Mohammed group, in which 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were killed, saying he was getting reports on it and would issue a statement.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/unleashing-the-power-of-south-asia-at-wion-conclave-today-in-dubai-thought-leaders-to-discuss-way-forward-for-the-region-198427">Unleashing the Power of South Asia: At WION conclave today in Dubai, thought leaders to discuss </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/unleashing-the-power-of-south-asia-at-wion-conclave-today-in-dubai-thought-leaders-to-discuss-way-forward-for-the-region-198427">way</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/unleashing-the-power-of-south-asia-at-wion-conclave-today-in-dubai-thought-leaders-to-discuss-way-forward-for-the-region-198427"> forward for the region</a>

WION is holding its 'Unleashing the Power of South Asia' conclave today in Dubai, the UAE. &nbsp;

The summit will bring together thought leaders from around the world to find common ground on the way forward for the South Asian region.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-urges-india-pakistan-to-take-immediate-steps-to-defuse-tensions-198397">UN Secretary-General Guterres urges India, Pakistan to defuse tension, offers to broker peace</a>

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called on India and Pakistan to take immediate steps to defuse tensions and offered to help broker a solution if both sides agree.

The two countries have been locked in a diplomatic clash following a suicide attack on February 14 in Kashmir that killed 40 Indian security personnel, triggering counter-operations by Indian forces in the area.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-urges-india-pakistan-to-take-immediate-steps-to-defuse-tensions-198397">Britain to strip teen who joined Islamic State of citizenship: Lawyer</a>

Britain will strip citizenship from Shamima Begum, a UK teenager who joined the Islamic State group in Syria and wants to return home with a newborn baby, a lawyer for her family said Tuesday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agreed-for-alliance-as-bjps-way-of-treating-allies-has-changed-uddhav-thackeray-198407">Agreed to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agreed-for-alliance-as-bjps-way-of-treating-allies-has-changed-uddhav-thackeray-198407">alliance</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agreed-for-alliance-as-bjps-way-of-treating-allies-has-changed-uddhav-thackeray-198407"> as BJP's way of treating allies has changed: Uddhav Thackeray</a>

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday evening that he decided to join hands with the BJP because of the saffron party's changed way of dealing with its allies.

Thackeray was speaking to Sena workers at his residence here.

Trump says Pulwama attack a 'horrible situation' US President Donald Trump on Tuesday described as a "horrible situation" the Pulwama terrorist attack by the Jaish-e-Mohammed group, in which 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were killed, saying he was getting reports on it and would issue a statement.

Trump says Pulwama attack a 'horrible situation' US President Donald Trump on Tuesday described as a "horrible situation" the Pulwama terrorist attack by the Jaish-e-Mohammed group, in which 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were killed, saying he was getting reports on it and would issue a statement. Unleashing the Power of South Asia: At WION conclave today in Dubai, thought leaders to discuss way forward for the region WION is holding its 'Unleashing the Power of South Asia' conclave today in Dubai, the UAE. The summit will bring together thought leaders from around the world to find common ground on the way forward for the South Asian region. UN Secretary-General Guterres urges India, Pakistan to defuse tension, offers to broker peace UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called on India and Pakistan to take immediate steps to defuse tensions and offered to help broker a solution if both sides agree. The two countries have been locked in a diplomatic clash following a suicide attack on February 14 in Kashmir that killed 40 Indian security personnel, triggering counter-operations by Indian forces in the area. Britain to strip teen who joined Islamic State of citizenship: Lawyer Britain will strip citizenship from Shamima Begum, a UK teenager who joined the Islamic State group in Syria and wants to return home with a newborn baby, a lawyer for her family said Tuesday. Agreed to alliance as BJP's way of treating allies has changed: Uddhav Thackeray Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday evening that he decided to join hands with the BJP because of the saffron party's changed way of dealing with its allies. Thackeray was speaking to Sena workers at his residence here.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A British<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-government-to-strip-teen-who-joined-islamic-state-of-citizenship-lawyer-198405"> teenager who joined the Islamic State group in Syria</a> in 2015 said Wednesday she was shocked by a government decision to revoke her citizenship.

Shamima Begum, who <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-teen-who-joined-is-has-given-birth-in-syria-family-197927">now wants to return home</a> after giving birth in a refugee camp in Syria last weekend, said the order was "unjust".

"I am a bit shocked," she told ITV News after learning of the move which was announced in a letter Tuesday from Britain's interior ministry to her mother in London.

"It's a bit upsetting and frustrating. I feel like it's a bit unjust on me and my son."

Begum's fate has stirred controversy since she and two friends fled her east London home to join the terror network four years ago when she was aged just 15.

The case highlights a dilemma facing many European countries, divided over whether to allow jihadists and IS sympathisers home to face prosecution or barring them over security concerns as the so-called "caliphate" crumbles.

A spokeswoman for the interior ministry said on Tuesday it would not comment on individual cases, "but any decisions to deprive individuals of their citizenship are based on all available evidence and not taken lightly".

She added that interior minister Sajid Javid was intent on prioritising "the safety and security of Britain and the people who live here".

"In order to protect this country, he has the power to deprive someone of their British citizenship where it would not render them stateless."

Begum gave birth to her third child at the weekend, and appealed to British authorities to show "compassion" by allowing her to raise the baby in Britain -- while expressing no regret over having joined IS.

'All legal avenues'

In the ministry's letter sent to Begum's mother, it said the teen had the right to appeal the order.

A lawyer for her family said it was disappointed with the move.

"(The) family are very disappointed with the... intention to have an order made depriving Shamima of her citizenship," Tasnime Akunjee said on Twitter.

"We are considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision."

Begum, who is of Bangladeshi heritage, was born in Britain, has never had a Bangladeshi passport and is not a dual citizen, according to Akunjee.

The interior ministry reportedly believes that she is entitled to claim citizenship in the south Asian country.

Chiranjiv Sarker, head of the consular wing and dual nationality issues at Bangladesh's foreign ministry, told AFP it was aware of the case but had not received any contact from the family.

"So far none of her family members (has) approached us," he said. "What I learn from newspapers is that Shamima was trying to return to Britain."

He added that, if approached, the ministry would need to try to verify Begum's Bangladeshi heritage to assess any possible eligibility for citizenship.&nbsp;

Trump call rebuffed

Begum is currently in a refugee camp in northeast Syria where she fled to escape fighting in the east of the country along with hundreds of other people with links to IS.&nbsp;

She said she has previously given birth to two other children after marrying in Syria. Both children have died, apparently from illness and malnutrition.

Begum fled Britain with Kadiza Sultana, who has since been reported killed, and Amira Abase.

Begum said in recent media interviews that Abase had stayed in a village where IS fighters are making a final stand against US-backed forces.

European countries have been grappling with what to do with foreign fighters detained in Syria by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who have warned they may not be able to guard their jails once US troops leave.

The British government on Monday rebuffed US President Donald Trump's call to take back alleged UK jihadists captured in the war-ravaged country.

Trump had called on Britain, France, Germany and other European allies "to take back over 800 IS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial".

Prime Minister Theresa May's spokesman said the fighters should instead face justice in places where they committed their crimes.

A British teenager who joined the Islamic State group in Syria in 2015 said Wednesday she was shocked by a government decision to revoke her citizenship. Shamima Begum, who now wants to return home after giving birth in a refugee camp in Syria last weekend, said the order was "unjust".

A British teenager who joined the Islamic State group in Syria in 2015 said Wednesday she was shocked by a government decision to revoke her citizenship. Shamima Begum, who now wants to return home after giving birth in a refugee camp in Syria last weekend, said the order was "unjust". "I am a bit shocked," she told ITV News after learning of the move which was announced in a letter Tuesday from Britain's interior ministry to her mother in London. "It's a bit upsetting and frustrating. I feel like it's a bit unjust on me and my son." Begum's fate has stirred controversy since she and two friends fled her east London home to join the terror network four years ago when she was aged just 15. The case highlights a dilemma facing many European countries, divided over whether to allow jihadists and IS sympathisers home to face prosecution or barring them over security concerns as the so-called "caliphate" crumbles. A spokeswoman for the interior ministry said on Tuesday it would not comment on individual cases, "but any decisions to deprive individuals of their citizenship are based on all available evidence and not taken lightly". She added that interior minister Sajid Javid was intent on prioritising "the safety and security of Britain and the people who live here". "In order to protect this country, he has the power to deprive someone of their British citizenship where it would not render them stateless." Begum gave birth to her third child at the weekend, and appealed to British authorities to show "compassion" by allowing her to raise the baby in Britain -- while expressing no regret over having joined IS. 'All legal avenues' In the ministry's letter sent to Begum's mother, it said the teen had the right to appeal the order. A lawyer for her family said it was disappointed with the move. "(The) family are very disappointed with the... intention to have an order made depriving Shamima of her citizenship," Tasnime Akunjee said on Twitter. "We are considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision." Begum, who is of Bangladeshi heritage, was born in Britain, has never had a Bangladeshi passport and is not a dual citizen, according to Akunjee. The interior ministry reportedly believes that she is entitled to claim citizenship in the south Asian country. Chiranjiv Sarker, head of the consular wing and dual nationality issues at Bangladesh's foreign ministry, told AFP it was aware of the case but had not received any contact from the family. "So far none of her family members (has) approached us," he said. "What I learn from newspapers is that Shamima was trying to return to Britain." He added that, if approached, the ministry would need to try to verify Begum's Bangladeshi heritage to assess any possible eligibility for citizenship. Trump call rebuffed Begum is currently in a refugee camp in northeast Syria where she fled to escape fighting in the east of the country along with hundreds of other people with links to IS. She said she has previously given birth to two other children after marrying in Syria. Both children have died, apparently from illness and malnutrition. Begum fled Britain with Kadiza Sultana, who has since been reported killed, and Amira Abase. Begum said in recent media interviews that Abase had stayed in a village where IS fighters are making a final stand against US-backed forces. European countries have been grappling with what to do with foreign fighters detained in Syria by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who have warned they may not be able to guard their jails once US troops leave. The British government on Monday rebuffed US President Donald Trump's call to take back alleged UK jihadists captured in the war-ravaged country. Trump had called on Britain, France, Germany and other European allies "to take back over 800 IS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial". Prime Minister Theresa May's spokesman said the fighters should instead face justice in places where they committed their crimes.

Islamic State teen 'shocked' after UK revokes her citizenship

A British teenager, Shamima Begum, who left the United Kingdom to join terror outfit Islamic State in 2015 is now hoping to return home. Begum makes it clear that she does not regret her decision of joining the terror group.

Begum was only 15 when she went to Syria to marry an IS terrorist. Now, at 19, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-teen-who-joined-is-has-given-birth-in-syria-family-197927">Shamima has given birth to a boy</a> in a camp for the displaced in northern Syria. She says that her newborn son is the reason she wants to return home.

"We, the family of Shamima Begum, have been informed that Shamima has given birth to her child," a statement released by Begum's family lawyer Mohammed Akunjee read.&nbsp;

"As yet we have not had direct contact with Shamima, we are hoping to establish communications with her soon so that we can verify the above."&nbsp;

Begum says she wants to return home to give a better life to her son, however, she maintains having no regrets over the choices she made in life. &nbsp;

Begum gave birth to a girl and a boy during her time with the IS, both of them fell ill and died. She has now appealed to the UK government to help her get back.&nbsp;

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My priority is the safety and security of this country. These are not judgments to be taken based purely on empathy <a href="https://t.co/FC2AjhCETk">https://t.co/FC2AjhCETk</a>
— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) <a href="https://twitter.com/sajidjavid/status/1097084980482764800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Shamima's pleas to return to the UK have spurred debate all across, many believe that the right thing to do will be to make her face the UK justice system first before letting her in.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tLWzltLC3rA" width="560"></iframe>

Shamima was one of the three British schoolgirls who joined the IS in 2015. According to reports in British media, Shamima says she is ready to face prison if she is allowed to return to the UK. Reportedly, she has not been in contact with her family.&nbsp;

The UK government is yet to take a definite stand on Begum's pleas, however, Home Secretary Sajid Javid has clearly stated that he will come down heavily on the return of Britons who joined IS and now seek to return.

In a piece published in a leading British newspaper, Javid noted that his priority as the home secretary is to ensure the safety and security of his country and to send a message to those who back terrorism.&nbsp;

Javid insisted the government should strip "dangerous individuals of their British citizenship".

"My priority is the safety and security of this country. These are not judgments to be taken based purely on empathy," Javid tweeted out on Sunday.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump said late Saturday that the United States was asking Britain and other European allies "to take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial."

The demand came as he prepared to declare the end of the group's so-called "caliphate", with US-led Arab and Kurdish forces close to capturing its last territorial holdout in Syria, ahead of a pull-out of American troops, AFP reported.

(With inputs from AFP)

&nbsp;

A British teenager, Shamima Begum, who left the United Kingdom to join terror outfit Islamic State in 2015 is now hoping to return home. Begum makes it clear that she does not regret her decision of joining the terror group.

A British teenager, Shamima Begum, who left the United Kingdom to join terror outfit Islamic State in 2015 is now hoping to return home. Begum makes it clear that she does not regret her decision of joining the terror group. Begum was only 15 when she went to Syria to marry an IS terrorist. Now, at 19, Shamima has given birth to a boy in a camp for the displaced in northern Syria. She says that her newborn son is the reason she wants to return home. "We, the family of Shamima Begum, have been informed that Shamima has given birth to her child," a statement released by Begum's family lawyer Mohammed Akunjee read. "As yet we have not had direct contact with Shamima, we are hoping to establish communications with her soon so that we can verify the above." Begum says she wants to return home to give a better life to her son, however, she maintains having no regrets over the choices she made in life. Begum gave birth to a girl and a boy during her time with the IS, both of them fell ill and died. She has now appealed to the UK government to help her get back. My priority is the safety and security of this country. These are not judgments to be taken based purely on empathy https://t.co/FC2AjhCETk — Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) February 17, 2019 × Shamima's pleas to return to the UK have spurred debate all across, many believe that the right thing to do will be to make her face the UK justice system first before letting her in. Shamima was one of the three British schoolgirls who joined the IS in 2015. According to reports in British media, Shamima says she is ready to face prison if she is allowed to return to the UK. Reportedly, she has not been in contact with her family. The UK government is yet to take a definite stand on Begum's pleas, however, Home Secretary Sajid Javid has clearly stated that he will come down heavily on the return of Britons who joined IS and now seek to return. In a piece published in a leading British newspaper, Javid noted that his priority as the home secretary is to ensure the safety and security of his country and to send a message to those who back terrorism. Javid insisted the government should strip "dangerous individuals of their British citizenship". "My priority is the safety and security of this country. These are not judgments to be taken based purely on empathy," Javid tweeted out on Sunday. US President Donald Trump said late Saturday that the United States was asking Britain and other European allies "to take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial." The demand came as he prepared to declare the end of the group's so-called "caliphate", with US-led Arab and Kurdish forces close to capturing its last territorial holdout in Syria, ahead of a pull-out of American troops, AFP reported. (With inputs from AFP)

Judgment can't be taken based purely on empathy: UK home secretary on return of teen who married IS terrorist in Syria

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-shows-time-for-talks-over-now-world-have-to-act-pm-narendra-modi-198108">Pulwama attack shows time for talks over, now </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-shows-time-for-talks-over-now-world-have-to-act-pm-narendra-modi-198108">world</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-shows-time-for-talks-over-now-world-have-to-act-pm-narendra-modi-198108"> has to act: PM Narendra Modi</a> 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Pulwama terror attack has shown that time for talks is over and hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging the menace.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-encounter-fierce-gun-battle-underway-dig-south-kashmir-injured-198102">Pulwama encounter: Fierce gun battle underway; DIG south Kashmir injured</a> 
 
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police South Kashmir range, Amit Kumar, who was injured in an exchange of fire with terrorists, has been shifted to Army hospital. His condition is stated to be stable.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kulbhushan-jadhav-case-pakistan-embarrassed-to-disclose-charges-against-jadhav-says-india-at-icj-198089">Pakistan embarrassed to disclose charges against Kulbhushan Jadhav, says India at ICJ</a> 
 
India's began its argument on the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice at The Hague on Monday with former solicitor general of India Harish Salve asserting that "Pakistan was using the platform for propaganda purposes".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maldives-court-orders-arrest-of-ex-president-yameen-on-money-laundering-charges-198101">Maldives: Court orders arrest of ex-President Yameen on money laundering charges</a> 
 
Former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen will be arrested and detained on money laundering charges, as per the order by a Maldivian court on Monday, news agency AFP reported.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/judgment-cant-be-taken-based-purely-on-empathy-uk-home-secretary-on-return-of-shamima-begum-who-married-is-terrorist-in-syria-198104">Judgment can't be taken based purely on empathy: UK home secretary on Shamima Begum's return</a>

A British teenager, Shamima Begum, who left the United Kingdom to join terror outfit Islamic State in 2015 is now hoping to return home. Begum makes it clear that she does not regret her decision of joining the terror group.

Pulwama attack shows time for talks over, now world has to act: PM Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Pulwama terror attack has shown that time for talks is over and hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging the menace.

Pulwama attack shows time for talks over, now world has to act: PM Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Pulwama terror attack has shown that time for talks is over and hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging the menace. Pulwama encounter: Fierce gun battle underway; DIG south Kashmir injured Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police South Kashmir range, Amit Kumar, who was injured in an exchange of fire with terrorists, has been shifted to Army hospital. His condition is stated to be stable. Pakistan embarrassed to disclose charges against Kulbhushan Jadhav, says India at ICJ India's began its argument on the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice at The Hague on Monday with former solicitor general of India Harish Salve asserting that "Pakistan was using the platform for propaganda purposes". Maldives: Court orders arrest of ex-President Yameen on money laundering charges Former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen will be arrested and detained on money laundering charges, as per the order by a Maldivian court on Monday, news agency AFP reported. Judgment can't be taken based purely on empathy: UK home secretary on Shamima Begum's return A British teenager, Shamima Begum, who left the United Kingdom to join terror outfit Islamic State in 2015 is now hoping to return home. Begum makes it clear that she does not regret her decision of joining the terror group.

A runaway teenager who has divided British opinion after joining the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-pregnant-teens-wish-to-return-stirs-uk-debate-over-jihadi-brides-197691">Islamic State group in Syria but now wants to return</a> home has given birth, her family said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Shamima Begum, whose fate has prompted British soul-searching since she and two friends stirred controversy by fleeing to the terror network in 2015, gave birth to a boy, according to family lawyer Mohammed Akunjee.

"We, the family of Shamima Begum, have been informed that Shamima has given birth to her child," a statement he released on Twitter said.

"We understand that both she and the baby are in good health.

"As yet we have not had direct contact with Shamima, we are hoping to establish communications with her soon so that we can verify the above."

Akunjee told AFP the family had learned about the birth from a translator in an eastern Syria refugee camp where Begum is currently staying.

Begum had previously given birth to two other children, but both died during her time in Syria, she told The Times earlier this week.

Her case has highlighted the challenge for Western governments of dealing with returning jihadist supporters, after she told the newspaper that she wanted to raise her new baby in Britain.

The 19-year-old has expressed no regrets about joining the group and leading politicians, including interior minister Sajid Javid, have said they will try to stop her return.&nbsp;

Akunjee said Sunday Javid was "misunderstanding the law" and that Britain had a responsibility towards Begum and her newborn child.

"A parent has responsibility and so does Britain," he added.

Mixed response

The fresh focus on the case came as Britain's government appeared divided on how to respond to demands from US President Donald Trump that European nations take back hundreds of Islamic State group fighters captured in Syria.

Trump said late Saturday that the United States was asking Britain and other European allies "to take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial."

The demand came as he prepared to declare the end of the group's so-called "caliphate", with US-led Arab and Kurdish forces close to capturing its last territorial holdout in Syria, ahead of a pull-out of American troops.

The prospect has increased concerns about experienced militants and foreign fighters escaping and forming new cells in Syria or beyond, with US allies grappling for weeks with how to respond.

Britain's Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright, a former attorney general -- the country's chief legal adviser -- told the BBC Sunday that it was "obliged, at some stage at least, to take them back".

Noting it was "a matter of international law and domestic law", he said: "It doesn't mean either that we can't seek to hold them to account for their behaviour thus far."

However, writing in The Sunday Times -- under the headline "if you run away to join ISIS, I will use all my power to stop you coming back" -- Javid insisted the government should strip "dangerous individuals of their British citizenship".

He noted Britain had already exercised this power more than 100 times.

"In considering what actions need to be taken now, I have to think about the safety and security of children living in our country," he wrote.

A runaway teenager who has divided British opinion after joining the Islamic State group in Syria but now wants to return home has given birth, her family said on Sunday.

A runaway teenager who has divided British opinion after joining the Islamic State group in Syria but now wants to return home has given birth, her family said on Sunday. Shamima Begum, whose fate has prompted British soul-searching since she and two friends stirred controversy by fleeing to the terror network in 2015, gave birth to a boy, according to family lawyer Mohammed Akunjee. "We, the family of Shamima Begum, have been informed that Shamima has given birth to her child," a statement he released on Twitter said. "We understand that both she and the baby are in good health. "As yet we have not had direct contact with Shamima, we are hoping to establish communications with her soon so that we can verify the above." Akunjee told AFP the family had learned about the birth from a translator in an eastern Syria refugee camp where Begum is currently staying. Begum had previously given birth to two other children, but both died during her time in Syria, she told The Times earlier this week. Her case has highlighted the challenge for Western governments of dealing with returning jihadist supporters, after she told the newspaper that she wanted to raise her new baby in Britain. The 19-year-old has expressed no regrets about joining the group and leading politicians, including interior minister Sajid Javid, have said they will try to stop her return. Akunjee said Sunday Javid was "misunderstanding the law" and that Britain had a responsibility towards Begum and her newborn child. "A parent has responsibility and so does Britain," he added. Mixed response The fresh focus on the case came as Britain's government appeared divided on how to respond to demands from US President Donald Trump that European nations take back hundreds of Islamic State group fighters captured in Syria. Trump said late Saturday that the United States was asking Britain and other European allies "to take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial." The demand came as he prepared to declare the end of the group's so-called "caliphate", with US-led Arab and Kurdish forces close to capturing its last territorial holdout in Syria, ahead of a pull-out of American troops. The prospect has increased concerns about experienced militants and foreign fighters escaping and forming new cells in Syria or beyond, with US allies grappling for weeks with how to respond. Britain's Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright, a former attorney general -- the country's chief legal adviser -- told the BBC Sunday that it was "obliged, at some stage at least, to take them back". Noting it was "a matter of international law and domestic law", he said: "It doesn't mean either that we can't seek to hold them to account for their behaviour thus far." However, writing in The Sunday Times -- under the headline "if you run away to join ISIS, I will use all my power to stop you coming back" -- Javid insisted the government should strip "dangerous individuals of their British citizenship". He noted Britain had already exercised this power more than 100 times. "In considering what actions need to be taken now, I have to think about the safety and security of children living in our country," he wrote.

UK teen who joined IS has given birth in Syria: Family

A British teenager who fled to join the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/seven-children-among-16-killed-in-strike-on-islamic-state-syria-holdout-war-monitor-196790"> Islamic State group</a> in Syria is living in a refugee camp and wants to return home, The Times reported on Thursday.

Shamima Begum, now 19, expressed no regrets about fleeing her London life four years ago but said that two of her children had died and, pregnant with her third, she wanted to return.

She left the jihadists as they staged their last stand in Baghouz in eastern Syria, near the Iraqi border.&nbsp;

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<h5>'... when I saw my first severed head in a bin it didn't faze me at all. It was from a captured fighter seized on the battlefield, an enemy of Islam'</h5>
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"I was weak. I could not endure the suffering and hardship that staying on the battlefield involved," she told the newspaper from the Al-Hawl camp.

"But I was also frightened that the child I am about to give birth to would die like my other children if I stayed on.

"So I fled the caliphate. Now all I want to do is come home to Britain."

She described life under IS with her Dutch husband, who surrendered as they left, telling The Times, "Mostly it was normal life in Raqqa, every now and then bombing and stuff."

"But when I saw my first severed head in a bin it didn't faze me at all. It was from a captured fighter seized on the battlefield, an enemy of Islam."

"I thought only of what he would have done to a Muslim woman if he had the chance."

She added: "I'm not the same silly little 15-year-old schoolgirl who ran away from Bethnal Green four years ago. And I don't regret coming here."

Begum was one of three schoolgirls from the same school in the east London district of Bethnal Green who ran away to join the IS group in 2015.

Another girl from the same area left the year before.

One of the girls, Kadiza Sultana, has been reported killed and Begum said the other two, Sharmeena Begum -- no relation -- and Amira Abase stayed on in Baghouz.

"They were strong. I respect their decision," Begum said of her friends.

"They urged patience and endurance in the caliphate and chose to stay behind in Baghouz. They would be ashamed of me if they survived the bombing and battle to learn that I had left."

She added: "They made their choice as single women. For their husbands were already dead."

Begum said she was nine months pregnant, and her two previous children had died -- a daughter, Sarayah, who was ill, and a son, Jerah, whose death was linked to malnutrition.

"In the end, I just could not endure any more," she said of her desire to get out. "I just couldn't take it."

A British teenager who fled to join the Islamic State group in Syria is living in a refugee camp and wants to return home, The Times reported on Thursday. Shamima Begum, now 19, expressed no regrets about fleeing her London life four years ago but said that two of her children had died and, pregnant with her third, she wanted to return.

A British teenager who fled to join the Islamic State group in Syria is living in a refugee camp and wants to return home, The Times reported on Thursday. Shamima Begum, now 19, expressed no regrets about fleeing her London life four years ago but said that two of her children had died and, pregnant with her third, she wanted to return. She left the jihadists as they staged their last stand in Baghouz in eastern Syria, near the Iraqi border. '... when I saw my first severed head in a bin it didn't faze me at all. It was from a captured fighter seized on the battlefield, an enemy of Islam' × "I was weak. I could not endure the suffering and hardship that staying on the battlefield involved," she told the newspaper from the Al-Hawl camp. "But I was also frightened that the child I am about to give birth to would die like my other children if I stayed on. "So I fled the caliphate. Now all I want to do is come home to Britain." She described life under IS with her Dutch husband, who surrendered as they left, telling The Times, "Mostly it was normal life in Raqqa, every now and then bombing and stuff." "But when I saw my first severed head in a bin it didn't faze me at all. It was from a captured fighter seized on the battlefield, an enemy of Islam." "I thought only of what he would have done to a Muslim woman if he had the chance." She added: "I'm not the same silly little 15-year-old schoolgirl who ran away from Bethnal Green four years ago. And I don't regret coming here." Begum was one of three schoolgirls from the same school in the east London district of Bethnal Green who ran away to join the IS group in 2015. Another girl from the same area left the year before. One of the girls, Kadiza Sultana, has been reported killed and Begum said the other two, Sharmeena Begum -- no relation -- and Amira Abase stayed on in Baghouz. "They were strong. I respect their decision," Begum said of her friends. "They urged patience and endurance in the caliphate and chose to stay behind in Baghouz. They would be ashamed of me if they survived the bombing and battle to learn that I had left." She added: "They made their choice as single women. For their husbands were already dead." Begum said she was nine months pregnant, and her two previous children had died -- a daughter, Sarayah, who was ill, and a son, Jerah, whose death was linked to malnutrition. "In the end, I just could not endure any more," she said of her desire to get out. "I just couldn't take it."

UK teen ran away to join Islamic State in Syria; she now 'wants to come home'

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