Transfer of ISIS Detainees Initiated
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Wednesday that it has started moving ISIS detainees from northeastern Syria to facilities controlled by Iraq. This action is part of a larger strategy to prevent the resurgence of the terrorist group and to ensure long-term security in the area.
According to CENTCOM, the U.S. military has already transferred 150 ISIS fighters from the Hasakah detention facility in Syria to a secure location in Iraq. There’s potential for up to 7,000 detainees to be moved in the future.
“We are closely coordinating with our regional partners, especially the Government of Iraq, and we highly value their contribution in ensuring the definitive defeat of ISIS,” stated CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper. He emphasized that “organizing the safe and orderly transfer of ISIS detainees is essential for preventing events that threaten both U.S. and regional security.”
Attacks Against Terrorist Threats in Somalia
This announcement followed recent comments from Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria, who indicated that the Syrian government is ready to assume security responsibilities—including managing ISIS detention facilities and camps.
The State Department noted in a statement that approximately 8,400 ISIS members from over 70 countries are currently held in camps operated by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), with Al-Hol camp being the largest among them.
Barrack had previously negotiated a temporary ceasefire agreement between Syria’s interim government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, and the Kurdish-led SDF after escalating clashes threatened to expand.
U.S. officials clarified that the Trump administration isn’t seeking a prolonged military presence in Syria, instead focusing on eradicating the remaining elements of ISIS.
The details of the agreement entail integrating SDF fighters into the national army, transferring control of significant infrastructure such as oil fields, and handing over ISIS prisons and camps to Damascus.
“This presents a unique opportunity for the Kurds,” Barrack mentioned, adding that this integration into a new Syrian state would grant full citizenship rights and recognition as a vital part of Syria, as well as constitutional protections for the Kurdish language and culture.
Challenges Around Security in Syria
Syria’s Interior Ministry reported on Monday that security forces have recaptured 81 out of the 120 ISIS prisoners who escaped from al-Shadadi prison in rural Hasakah, with efforts ongoing to locate the remaining escapees. Following this escape, the transitional government and SDF have exchanged blame regarding accountability for the incident, amidst rising tensions concerning security in the region.
