Trump threatens to release thousands of captured ISIS fighters into Europe if allies refuse to take them back

DONALD Trump has threatened to release thousands of jihadis on to the streets of Europe if America’s allies refuse to take back "their" terrorists.

The President challenged France, Germany and other countries to take back citizens who were captured fighting for ISIS in Syria and Iraq.

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He said:  "'If Europe doesn't take them, then I have no choice but to release them into the countries from which they came, which is Germany, and France, and other places."

Trump said the U.S. and its allies are holding "thousands" of Islamic State fighters after forcing the extremist group to abandon the last territory it held in Syria.

The Donald told reporters at the White House that European countries need to take back their citizens who joined the extremist group and are now being held prisoner.

He said the U.S. will not hold them at its base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, "for the next 50 years and pay for it."

GITMO'S A NO GO

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His demands echo calls he made in February this year for Britain and other European allies to take back and put on trial captured ISIS fighters.

Kurdish leaders have also been asking for help saying their overstretched army can't repel a Turkish invasion and guard the more than 15,000 captured prisoners the same time.

Politician Aldar Xelil said: "Either we will fight the Turks or guard the prisoners.

"We cannot do both together."

It comes after Turkish strongman president Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned he would "eliminate" the Kurdish army in Syria "very soon".

He vowed: "Turkey has the right to eliminate all threats against its national security.

"God willing, we will carry the process started with Afrin and Jarablus [previous offensives into Syria] to the next stage very soon."

KURDS CALL FOR HELP

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Kurds have begged Western nations including the UK to ease pressure on them by accepting the return of jihadis who fled to join ISIS and are now in jail.

Trump's comments came shortly after he branded himself "the chosen one" as he defended his trade war with China.

He dramatically looked up to the sky and added: "Somebody had to do it."

Trump told reporters his life would be easier if he had not mounted a trade war with China.

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But he defended his actions and said he believed a trade deal between the world's largest economies was still possible.

“I am taking on China. I'm taking on China on trade. And you know what? We're winning," Trump said.

Trump acknowledged for a second consecutive day that the trade war with China could harm the US economy, although he insists a recession is not on the horizon.