US-led operation moves thousands of ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraq

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has successfully concluded a 23-day operation to transfer prisoners from northeastern Syria to Iraq, aimed at ensuring their security and preventing the resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS). The mission, which began on January 21, resulted in the relocation of more than 5,700 ISIS members.

As Caliber.Az reports, CENTCOM confirmed the operation in a post on X. Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM Commander, emphasized that the mission’s success was achieved through close cooperation with Iraqi authorities,

“US Central Command (CENTCOM) completed a transfer mission following a nighttime flight from northeastern Syria to Iraq on Feb. 12 to help ensure ISIS detainees remain secure in detention facilities.

The 23-day transfer mission began on January 21 and resulted in US forces successfully transporting more than 5,700 adult male ISIS fighters from detention facilities in Syria to Iraqi custody.

Job well done to the entire Joint Force team who executed this exceptionally challenging mission on the ground and in the air with great focus, professionalism, and collaboration with our regional partners,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. 'We appreciate Iraq’s leadership and recognition that transferring the detainees is essential to regional security.'

U.S. and coalition forces under Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) led mission planning, coordination, and execution.

I am extremely proud of the coalition’s exceptional work,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Kevin Lambert, CJTF-OIR commander. “The successful execution of this orderly and secure transfer operation will help prevent an ISIS resurgence in Syria.

Established by CENTCOM in 2014, CJTF-OIR has advised, assisted, and enabled partner forces in the fight against the ISIS network, which was territorially defeated in 2019,” the post by the CENTCOM notes.

Iraq’s Ministry of Justice spokesperson, Laibi, added that all relocated detainees are now held in a single facility, where they will undergo investigations and trials in accordance with Iraqi law. He noted that all actions are being coordinated with the international coalition to ensure legal and security standards are upheld.

By Vafa Guliyeva