U.S. Transfers ISIS Detainees to Iraq
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Wednesday its efforts to move ISIS detainees from northeastern Syria to Iraqi-controlled facilities. This action is part of a larger strategy aimed at preventing the return of the terror group and ensuring long-term stability in the region.
In the first transfer, U.S. forces moved 150 ISIS fighters from a detention center in Hasakah, Syria, to a secure site in Iraq. There are plans to transfer up to 7,000 detainees in total. “We are working closely with regional partners, including the Iraqi government. Their role is crucial in making sure ISIS remains defeated,” said Admiral Brad Cooper, the CENTCOM commander.
The announcement follows comments made by Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey, stating that the Syrian government is ready to take over security responsibilities, which include controlling ISIS detention facilities and camps. According to a 2025 report from the State Department, around 8,400 detainees linked to ISIS from over 70 countries are held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), with the largest facility being al-Hol camp.
Barrack recently helped broker a temporary ceasefire between the interim Syrian government and the Kurdish-led SDF after escalating conflicts raised concerns.
The transitional deal allows for the integration of SDF fighters into the national military, along with transferring control of key infrastructures like oil fields and border crossings to the Syrian government. Barrack noted that this agreement provides a chance for the Kurdish population to gain citizenship rights and recognition within the Syrian state.
In a separate incident from Syria, security forces recently recaptured 81 out of 120 ISIS prisoners who had escaped from a facility in al-Shaddadi. The escape has led to tensions between the interim government and the SDF, as they blame each other for the security lapse.
This ongoing situation highlights the complexities of security in the region, especially as efforts continue to combat the remaining threats posed by ISIS.
