The United States military has initiated an operation to transfer up to 7,000 detainees, alleged to be affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) group, from detention centers in Syria to neighboring Iraq. The operation began on Wednesday with an initial movement of 150 individuals.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the operation, stating its objective is to ensure the detainees “remain in secure detention facilities.” In a statement, CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper noted that the process is being managed in close coordination with regional partners, including the Iraqi government.
“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,” Admiral Cooper stated.
This transfer follows a recent agreement between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) chief Mazloum Abdi, which stipulates that the Syrian government will assume responsibility for prisons holding thousands of IS-accused individuals in northeast Syria. Tens of thousands of their family members are also held in the Al-Hol and Roj camps.
The development comes as the United States shifts its policy in Syria, stating that its alliance with the SDF against IS has largely concluded. Washington now supports Syria’s new political authorities in their efforts to unify the country.
