Feb 15 β€’ 15:28 UTC πŸ‡ΆπŸ‡¦ Qatar Al Jazeera

7 Questions about the Transfer of ISIS Detainees from Syria to Iraq

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani affirmed support for international efforts to ensure security and stability following the transfer of thousands of ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraqi prisons.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani reiterated his government's commitment to supporting regional security and stability, emphasizing the need for the international community to assume responsibility for the foreign elements among ISIS detainees. Recently, thousands of ISIS fighters were transferred from the custody of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northeastern Syria to Iraqi detention facilities as a result of declining SDF influence against the advancing Syrian army. The transfer processes have reportedly been in line with agreements between Iraq and the United States.

The transfer of these detainees follows weeks of coordination between the United States and Iraq, as estimates suggest that around 7,000 ISIS detainees are currently held in Syria, which include both Iraqis and foreign nationals. Al-Sudani's statements underline Iraq's readiness to receive these detainees while calling for the international community to actively take responsibility for those who are not Iraqi citizens. This suggests a critical juncture in the regional security landscape, where the handling of ISIS detainees has significant implications for both Iraq's domestic security and broader geopolitical stability.

Additionally, discussions surrounding the fate of foreign detainees highlight larger issues of accountability, rehabilitation, and reintegration for former ISIS members. As international dialogues on these topics gain momentum, the situation poses challenges for national and international law structures, human rights considerations, and the overall approach of various countries in dealing with the aftermath of ISIS's territorial losses. The decisions made in this context are crucial in shaping future counter-terrorism strategies and ensuring long-term regional stability.

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