The Iraqi government has confirmed the transfer of 2,225 ISIS prisoners from Syria, a process initiated by the U.S. military last month according to an official statement reported by AFP. These prisoners are part of a larger group of up to 7,000 ISIS detainees whose move from Syria to Iraq was announced by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The aim of this transfer is to ensure that the terrorists remain in secure detention facilities following concerns about their previous incarceration under the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is largely Kurdish-led.

The announcement of the transfer came on the heels of a statement by U.S. envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, declaring the end of the SDF's role in combating ISIS. This shift raises potential questions about the future management of the ISIS threat and the operational capacity of the SDF, who have been crucial players in the fight against terrorism in the region. The transfer will likely impact the overall security dynamics in Iraq and the Kurdish regions of Syria, as Iraqi authorities work to manage the influx of prisoners.

Saad Maan, head of the security information center under the Iraqi Prime Minister's office, remarked on the transfer's significance, emphasizing Iraq's efforts to combat the remnants of ISIS and ensure that these prisoners are held in appropriate facilities. This development is noteworthy not only in terms of immediate security concerns but also for broader geopolitical implications in the region as it unfolds in the context of U.S. involvement and the shifting roles of local forces in counter-terrorism operations.