Qatar leads Syria search for bodies of US hostages killed by ISIL: Report

Sat May 10 10:21:07 UTC 2025: **Qatari-Led Mission Recovers Remains in Search for ISIS Hostages**

DOHA, QATAR – A Qatari search and rescue team has unearthed the remains of three unidentified individuals while searching for the bodies of American hostages executed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Syria a decade ago. The mission, launched Wednesday, involves US nationals and focuses primarily on locating the remains of aid worker Peter Kassig, beheaded by ISIL in 2014. Other Americans, including journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, and aid worker Kayla Mueller, were also killed by the group.

Sources close to the mission confirmed the discovery of the three bodies, but their identities remain unknown. The search is taking place amidst heightened diplomatic activity, with US President Trump scheduled to visit Qatar and other Gulf states next week. The timing coincides with Syria’s new government seeking sanctions relief from the US, though Washington has stated it will assess the new government’s actions before considering any changes to its policies.

James Foley’s mother, Diane Foley, expressed gratitude for the efforts undertaken, stating, “We’re grateful for anyone taking on this task and risking their lives…We thank all those involved in this effort.”

While the exact locations of the searches remain undisclosed, sources suggest the focus is on northeastern Syria, where ISIL remnants were active and where the remains of Kassig, Sotloff, and Foley are believed to be located. Mueller’s case is considered separate due to her captivity under ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

The mission follows years of US efforts to recover the remains of the slain Americans, with previous attempts involving US personnel on the ground in Syria. The involvement of Qatar underscores the ongoing international commitment to account for the victims of ISIL’s atrocities. Two former UK ISIL members, part of the “Beatles” cell responsible for the beheadings, are currently serving life sentences in the US.

Read More