**Washington D.C.** – The United States military has commenced the significant transfer of Islamic State (ISIL) detainees from prisons in northeastern Syria to Iraq, a move framed as a critical measure to prevent the potential resurgence of the militant group. The operation, initiated concurrently with a recently brokered ceasefire, underscores the complex geopolitical realignments occurring in the war-torn nation, with Syria's government poised to assume a more prominent role in counter-terrorism efforts.
The US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed the commencement of these transfers on Wednesday, detailing the relocation of approximately 150 IS fighters from detention facilities in Hassakeh province. This action is being undertaken as Syrian government forces advance into areas previously under the autonomous administration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led militia that has been a key partner for the US in combating ISIL. As the SDF withdraws from vital detention sites, the responsibility for securing thousands of alleged ISIL members and their families is shifting, necessitating this inter-country arrangement.
Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of US forces in the Middle East, articulated the strategic imperative behind the transfers, emphasizing the paramount importance of preventing any large-scale escapes that could imperil regional security. In a statement, Admiral Cooper highlighted the close collaboration with Baghdad, stating, "We are closely coordinating with regional partners, including the Iraqi government, and we sincerely appreciate their role in ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS." This collaboration is vital given the sheer number of individuals held, with estimates suggesting up to 7,000 people with alleged ISIL affiliations could eventually be moved.
The broader context for this operation involves a significant shift in Syria's political landscape. The US special envoy to the country indicated that Damascus will now serve as the principal partner in the fight against ISIL, signalling a departure from the long-standing reliance on the SDF. This transition is occurring in tandem with a ceasefire agreement announced late Tuesday, intended to de-escalate tensions following recent escalations. However, reports of fresh hostilities, including a drone attack in Hassakeh claimed by Syria's defense ministry as a ceasefire violation, cast a shadow of uncertainty over the stability of the new arrangements. The SDF has denied involvement in the drone strike.
The relocation of detainees raises considerable humanitarian concerns. The prominent human rights organization Reprieve has voiced grave apprehensions, warning that individuals transferred to Iraq could be subjected to torture and potentially face execution. The group has implored the UK government to ascertain if any British nationals are among those being moved, acknowledging that precise figures are elusive but suggesting a small number of adult males, alongside a larger population of children, remain in detention facilities across the region.
The logistical and security challenges are immense. The US military is meticulously orchestrating the movement of individuals from Syrian prisons, including those in Hassakeh province and potentially from the sprawling Al-Hol camp, which houses families of ISIL fighters, to secure locations within Iraq. This process is fraught with inherent risks, particularly given past incidents, such as alleged IS fighter escapes from an SDF-run prison in Shaddadi, where blame has been previously exchanged between the Syrian government and the SDF. The success of this transfer operation is therefore not only a matter of strategic security for the US and its allies but also a critical test of the evolving security architecture in Syria and the broader Middle East.