US Transfers 2,000 ISIS Detainees from Syria to Iraq, Raising Security Concerns

Reports indicate that the U.S. military has transferred approximately 2,000 detained ISIS members from prisons in northeastern Syria to detention centers in Iraq, as part of a larger strategy involving around 7,000 individuals held in the region.

Transfer Amid Rising Security Concerns

This move comes amid growing security concerns, particularly following reports of mass escapes from a prison in northeastern Syria, raising doubts about the authorities' ability to keep ISIS members incarcerated and prevent their reorganization.

Commitment from Iraq to Prosecute Detainees

According to reports, the Iraqi government has agreed to accept the detainees with a commitment to prosecute them under terrorism laws, aiming to mitigate the security risks associated with their presence in Syrian territory.

Ceasefire Facilitates the Operation

The transfer coincided with Damascus's announcement of a 15-day extension of the ceasefire at the end of January, a deal that has contributed to reducing hostilities between Syrian government forces and Kurdish fighters in the northeast. The clashes had caused chaos around the prisons housing ISIS members in areas controlled by the U.S.-led international coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces.

Coordination with the International Coalition

The Syrian Defense Ministry confirmed that the ceasefire extension was aimed at facilitating the work of the international coalition and creating space for the continued transfer of suspects linked to ISIS to Iraq, as part of efforts to contain associated security threats.