Iraq has begun receiving Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) fighters transferred from detention facilities in Syria, with expectations that the total number could reach 7,000.
A spokesperson for Iraq’s commander-in-chief of the armed forces confirmed that 150 IS detainees have already been transferred from prisons controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Sabah Numan stated on Wednesday that the National Security Council approved the move as part of coordinated security measures.
According to Numan, the initial group of detainees was transferred with the support of the international coalition fighting ISIL. He explained that the decision was made following security and field assessments aimed at preventing instability, noting that the detainees include senior ISIL figures.
The US Central Command CENTCOM also confirmed the transfer, stating that 150 ISIL prisoners were safely moved from a detention facility in Syria’s Hasakah province to secure locations in Iraq. The command added that up to 7,000 detainees could eventually be relocated to Iraqi-run facilities.
In its statement, US Central Command praised Iraq’s role in ensuring the lasting defeat of ISIL, emphasizing that secure and organized transfers are essential to preventing escapes that could threaten regional and US security.
The transfers come amid worsening conditions in Syria, where clashes continue between the Kurdish-led SDF and Syrian government forces under interim President Ahmed Shara.
