U.S. Begins Transfer of ISIS Detainees from Syria to Iraq Amid Security Transition
BAGHDAD, Iraq — The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has commenced the transfer of ISIS detainees from northeastern Syria to Iraqi-controlled facilities, marking a significant step in regional security management and counterterrorism efforts. On January 21, 2026, U.S. forces transported 150 ISIS fighters from a detention center in Hasakah, Syria, to a secure location in Iraq. This operation is part of a larger plan to relocate up to 7,000 radical prisoners to prevent any resurgence of the terror group and maintain stability in the region.
Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, emphasized the importance of this coordinated effort, stating, “We are closely coordinating with regional partners, including the Iraqi government, and we sincerely appreciate their role in ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS. Facilitating the orderly and secure transfer of ISIS detainees is critical to preventing a breakout that would pose a direct threat to the United States and regional security.”
The detainees were held at a facility in Hasakah, a city in northeastern Syria that has been a focal point for ISIS incarceration since the group’s territorial defeat. The transfer comes amid a broader transition in security responsibilities, with Damascus reportedly preparing to assume control over certain areas, as noted by Tom Barrack, U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria.
The operation underscores ongoing U.S. commitment to counterterrorism in the Middle East, particularly through collaboration with Iraqi authorities. Iraq has long been a frontline state in the fight against ISIS, hosting numerous detention centers and managing complex security challenges related to the group’s remnants. The transfer aims to consolidate detainees in Iraqi facilities better equipped to handle the security risks posed by these prisoners.
According to CENTCOM, the meticulous planning and execution of the transfer are designed to mitigate risks of escape or coordinated attacks by ISIS affiliates. The move also aligns with broader U.S. policy to stabilize the region and prevent ISIS from regaining influence.
Security experts note that the transfer of detainees between countries is a delicate endeavor, requiring extensive intelligence sharing and logistical coordination. The U.S. Department of Defense has worked closely with the U.S. Department of State and Iraqi security forces to ensure the operation’s success.
While the transfer of 150 detainees marks the initial phase, CENTCOM has indicated that the operation could expand to include thousands more prisoners currently held in Syrian detention facilities. This large-scale movement is critical as the U.S. reduces its direct military footprint in Syria, necessitating a transition of security responsibilities to local and regional partners.
The transfer also comes amid ongoing concerns about ISIS’s capacity to exploit power vacuums. The U.S. government continues to monitor the group’s activities closely, with the Department of Homeland Security maintaining heightened alert levels for potential threats both abroad and domestically.
As the detainees are relocated, Iraqi authorities face the challenge of maintaining secure detention conditions to prevent any attempts at escape or radicalization within the prison system. The collaboration between U.S. forces and Iraqi security agencies will remain crucial in the months ahead.
This operation reflects a broader strategic approach by the U.S. to counterterrorism in the Middle East, balancing military, diplomatic, and intelligence efforts to ensure long-term regional stability and protect American interests.
For more information on U.S. military operations and counterterrorism efforts, visit the Department of Defense and CENTCOM official websites.
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