US Begins Transfer of Islamic State Prisoners from Syria to Iraq

Tue Feb 03 2026 20:57:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The US military has initiated a transfer of Islamic State fighters from Syria to Iraq amidst shifting control dynamics in northeastern Syria.

The US Central Command has announced the transfer of up to 7,000 Islamic State fighters from prisons in Syria to Iraq to thwart potential security threats following Syria's government reclaiming territories from Kurdish forces. Initial moves have already seen 150 IS fighters relocated, following a recent ceasefire between Syrian forces and Kurdish-led groups. This comes amidst rising tensions and security breaches surrounding prison facilities in northern Syria.

The US military has launched a mission to transfer up to 7,000 Islamic State (IS) group fighters from prisons in north-eastern Syria to Iraq, as Syrian government forces take control of areas long held by Kurdish-led forces.

US Central Command stated that it had already moved 150 IS fighters from Hassakeh province to a secure location in Iraq.

The operation aims to prevent possible breakouts that could threaten both the United States and regional stability.

In a related development, Syria's government announced a new ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Tuesday night, following the latter’s withdrawal from the al-Hol camp, which houses a large number of relatives of IS fighters.

Separately, Syria's defense ministry reported the deaths of seven soldiers in a drone attack attributed to Kurdish forces in Hasakah province. The government and the SDF have exchanged accusations regarding the escape of suspected IS fighters from a prison in Shaddadi.

Syria's interior ministry indicated that special forces and army units had entered Shaddadi following the escape of around 120 IS terrorists, with security efforts leading to the arrest of 81 fugitives.

The SDF claimed it lost control of the Shaddadi prison amidst attacks by "Damascus-affiliated factions," which resulted in significant casualties among its fighters trying to prevent a major security situation.

Amidst these developments, IS remains active in Syria despite facing considerable setbacks, focusing primarily on attacking Kurdish forces in the region.

The US has shifted its focus from its previous role as a primary ally of the SDF, with special envoy Tom Barrack noting that the rationale for this partnership has diminished, emphasizing the need for security in IS holding facilities and promoting discussions between the SDF and the Syrian government.

Barrack expressed optimism for a potential pathway towards integration of Kurdish groups into a unified Syrian state with recognized rights and political participation.