U.S. Transfers More Than 5,700 ISIS Detainees From Syria to Iraq

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Friday that American and coalition forces have successfully completed a large-scale operation to transfer more than 5,700 adult male ISIS fighters from detention facilities in northeastern Syria to Iraq.

23-Day Operation Concludes

According to CENTCOM, the mission began on January 21 and concluded on February 12 with a final nighttime flight transporting detainees from Syria to Iraq. The operation was carried out over 23 days and involved extensive coordination on the ground and in the air to ensure security throughout the process.

U.S. forces said the transfer was designed to guarantee that the detainees remain securely held in appropriate facilities under Iraqi authority.

CENTCOM and Coalition Coordination

The mission was planned and executed by U.S. and coalition forces operating under the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR). The task force has overseen international efforts against ISIS since its establishment in 2014.

CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper praised the personnel involved, describing the operation as exceptionally complex and professionally executed in close cooperation with regional partners.

He also thanked Iraqi authorities, emphasizing that the transfer reflects Iraq’s recognition of the importance of secure detention for maintaining regional stability.

Preventing an ISIS Resurgence

CJTF-OIR Commander U.S. Army Major General Kevin Lambert said the successful transfer would play a key role in limiting the risk of ISIS reconstituting its networks in Syria.

He noted that the orderly and secure nature of the operation demonstrated the coalition’s continued commitment to countering extremist threats, even years after ISIS lost its territorial control in 2019.

Ongoing Counter-ISIS Mission

CENTCOM said the detainee transfer aligns with broader coalition objectives to support partner forces and prevent ISIS from exploiting instability in the region. U.S. officials stressed that continued cooperation with Iraq remains essential to ensuring long-term security and preventing the group from regaining operational momentum.