Peregraf - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani chaired a meeting of the National Security Ministerial Council to discuss the transfer of ISIS detainees from prisons in northeastern Syria, focusing on related security arrangements and operational details. The Council reaffirmed its earlier decision to proceed with the transfers, stressing that the move is driven solely by security considerations aimed at protecting Iraq. It also underscored the need for continued coordination with the International Coalition and called on the international community to meet its responsibilities in addressing the issue.
The Council approved a comprehensive roadmap for implementation, including the formation of a unified security committee to oversee the transfer process and manage detainees until they are brought to justice. The discussions coincided with a new U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) mission launched on January 21 to relocate ISIS detainees from northeastern Syria to secure facilities in Iraq, as part of broader efforts to prevent the group’s resurgence.
CENTCOM confirmed that U.S. forces have already transferred 150 ISIS fighters from a detention facility in Hasakah, Syria, to a secure location in Iraq, with plans that could eventually involve up to 7,000 detainees currently held in Syria. CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said the United States is closely coordinating with regional partners, including the Iraqi government, warning that secure transfers are critical to preventing prison break attempts that could reignite ISIS networks.
CENTCOM also reported that in 2025, U.S. and partner forces detained more than 300 ISIS operatives in Syria and killed over 20 others during counterterrorism operations. The detainee transfer initiative comes amid growing concerns over the security of detention facilities in northeastern Syria and the persistent risk of ISIS attempting mass prison breaks to rebuild its operational capacity.