The US has successfully completed a mission transferring over 5,700 ISIS fighters from detention facilities in Syria to prisons in Iraq, as part of a larger security strategy to ensure their safety.
The United States has finalized a significant operation by transferring the last remnants of ISIS fighters to Iraq. This mission came after years of holding these individuals in Kurdish-led facilities in Syria. The need for the transfer arose as Syrian government forces regained control of surrounding areas, prompting Washington's intervention to facilitate the relocation. CENTCOM confirmed that on February 12, following a night flight from northeastern Syria to Iraq, the transfer mission concluded with the aim of securing the detainees in safe holding facilities.
The transfer operation spanned 23 days, starting from January 21, and successfully moved over 5,700 adult ISIS combatants to Iraqi prisons. This transfer was part of a broader announcement that the US planned to relocate around 7,000 detainees. Admiral Brad Cooper praised the "exceptionally complex" mission, noting the professionalism and cooperation exhibited by the US forces and regional partners. The operation underscores the collaborative efforts to manage the ongoing security challenges posed by ISIS in the region.
This handover not only reflects the US's commitment to regional stability but also emphasizes the Iraqi leadership's acknowledgment of the necessity to manage these prisoners effectively. The successful transfer is expected to contribute to the overall security strategy in Iraq, acknowledging the potential risks associated with housing such individuals within regional territories. This strategic move illustrates the ongoing complexities in handling the remnants of ISIS and demonstrates the international community's involvement in addressing threats from terrorism in the Middle East.
