Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The United States military has announced the successful completion of a large-scale operation to transfer detainees affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) from Syrian detention facilities to Iraq.
According to the US Central Command, the 23-day mission, which began on January 21, 2026, resulted in the safe relocation of more than 5,700 adult ISIS fighters from Syrian centers to Iraqi custody. The transfer followed a sudden offensive by Syrian government forces in northeastern Syria against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which had been responsible for guarding ISIS detention sites for several years.
Major General Kevin Lambert of US Central Command said in a statement that “the safe, organized, and secure execution of this transfer will help prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State in Syria.”
The operation is part of a broader effort to stabilize detention facilities in light of the recent clashes and to ensure that ISIS fighters are held under secure conditions, reducing the risk of escape or renewed militant activity. The US-led coalition had originally anticipated transferring up to 7,000 detainees as part of the campaign.
Iraq’s Role and Regional Coordination
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein told Reuters on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference that around 3,000 detainees had already been transferred to Iraqi prisons, with the process ongoing. He emphasized that Baghdad is also in discussions with several Arab and Islamic countries to repatriate their nationals among the detainees.
Hussein noted that Iraq would require additional financial support to manage the influx of prisoners, stressing that holding thousands of foreign fighters for extended periods presents significant security challenges. He also warned of a recent uptick in ISIS activity just across the border in Syria, following the Syrian government’s offensive against the SDF.
“The Islamic State is becoming increasingly active on the other side of the border,” Hussein said. “This is linked to the recent conflict between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian government, as well as the presence of many who adhere to the ideology within Syria.”
Security and Diplomatic Implications
The transfer comes as Iraq balances cooperation with the United States and its own internal security concerns. While Baghdad maintains a generally positive relationship with Washington, tensions remain over regional political dynamics. Hussein acknowledged that US warnings regarding political appointments in Iraq are taken seriously, but insisted that domestic decisions remain under Iraqi control.
He also confirmed that the planned withdrawal of US forces from Iraq is still scheduled for the end of the year, a move that could further complicate the management of detainees and regional security.
Background
ISIS seized vast areas of Syria and Iraq in 2014 but was largely defeated by a US-led coalition by 2019. Many fighters were captured during military operations, though remnants of the group continue to pose a threat. The recent Syrian offensive and subsequent transfer of detainees to Iraq reflect ongoing international efforts to contain the organization and prevent its reemergence in both Syria and Iraq.
The operation underscores the complexity of handling thousands of high-risk detainees in a volatile regional environment, requiring close coordination between the US, Iraqi authorities, and other regional partners.
