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Iraq Receives 150 IS Detainees from Syria in Major Security Transfer

Iraqi authorities have announced the receipt of 150 Islamic State detainees from prisons in Syria, coordinated with the international coalition. The detainees, identified as Iraqi and foreign nationals involved in killing civilians, will be moved to official Iraqi correctional institutions. The US Central Command stated the transfer from Hasakah, Syria, is critical to preventing a security breakout, with plans for potentially thousands more transfers. While IS's territorial presence has shrunk dramatically from its peak, researchers note a persistent global threat from its remaining fighters.

Key Points: Iraq Receives 150 IS Detainees from Syrian Prisons

  • First 150 IS detainees transferred from Syria
  • Part of plan for up to 7,000 transfers
  • Detainees involved in killing Iraqi civilians
  • Coordinated with international coalition
  • Threat from IS diminished but persists globally
2 min read

Iraq receives 150 IS detainees from Syria

Iraq takes custody of 150 Islamic State detainees from Syria, part of a plan to transfer thousands to prevent security threats.

"Facilitating the orderly and secure transfer is critical to preventing a breakout that would pose a direct threat to the United States and regional security. - US Central Command (CENTCOM)"

Baghdad, Jan 22

Iraq has received the first 150 Islamic State detainees previously held in Syria's prisons, the Iraqi authorities have announced.

The detainees, identified as Iraqi and foreign nationals deeply involved in killing Iraqi civilians, were previously held in prisons under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces, according to a statement by Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi forces, on Wednesday (local time).

They were handed over in coordination with the international coalition tasked with fighting IS and will be transferred to official state correctional institutions, the statement added, noting the number and timing of further transfers will depend on ongoing security assessments, reports Xinhua news agency.

According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the detainees were moved from a detention facility in Hasakah, Syria, to a secure location in Iraq. The transfer is part of a broader plan that could eventually see up to 7,000 IS detainees relocated to Iraqi-controlled facilities.

CENTCOM said in a statement that facilitating the orderly and secure transfer is critical to preventing a breakout that would pose a direct threat to the United States and regional security.

Over the past year, US and partner forces have captured over 300 IS members across Syria and killed more than 20 others, CENTCOM added.

Adrian Shtuni, an associate fellow with the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism think tank, said that as of 2025, 21 years after the founding of IS, its territorial presence in Iraq and Syria had diminished significantly.

At its height, IS fielded up to 80,000 militants, including more than 42,000 foreign terrorist fighters from over 120 countries. In contrast, by mid-2025, estimates suggest only 1,500 to 3,000 fighters remain active in Syria and Iraq, said the researcher, noting that the threat persists globally.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I support bringing them to justice, I'm worried about the capacity of Iraqi prisons. 150 is just the start, with 7000 possible? That's a huge burden and a security risk. Hope proper assessments are done. 🙏
R
Rohit P
From 80,000 to maybe 3000 active fighters. Shows what coordinated military action can achieve. But the threat is global, as the researcher says. India must remain vigilant too. Our forces have done great work against terrorism.
S
Sarah B
A respectful criticism: The article mentions foreign nationals from over 120 countries were part of IS. What is being done to ensure their home countries take responsibility? It shouldn't fall only on Iraq. The international community needs a better, shared protocol for dealing with returning foreign fighters.
V
Vikram M
Good move. Stability in Iraq and Syria is important for the whole region, including us. When neighbors are secure, it helps everyone. Hope the correctional institutions are ready to handle such high-risk prisoners. Bharat stands against all forms of terrorism.
K
Kavya N
The numbers are staggering... 42,000 foreigners went to fight for IS. It shows how ideology can poison minds globally. Education and deradicalization programs are just as important as prisons. We need to fight the idea, not just the fighter.

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