US Relocates ISIL Detainees to Iraq Amid Syria Base Reduction
A recent transfer of ISIL detainees from Syria to Iraq has raised questions about operational changes in the region. US forces facilitated the movement of a third group of detainees from Ghwayran prison in Hasakah province, Syria, to Iraq, where they are now being held. This relocation is part of a complex trilateral agreement following a ceasefire between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Details of the ISIL Detainee Transfer
As of now, Iraq has received a total of 2,250 ISIL prisoners. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that a broader operation is underway to transfer around 7,000 detainees from various facilities in the region. This initiative involves specific procedures for monitoring the detainees.
- Each detainee is held in “strict, regular detention centres.”
- Specialized teams are conducting investigations, classifying detainees based on their threat levels.
- Confessions are being recorded with judicial supervision.
Saad Maan, head of the security information cell connected to the Iraqi prime minister’s office, emphasized that all individuals involved in crimes against Iraqis will be tried in competent Iraqi courts. The Iraqi judiciary has initiated investigations into 1,387 ISIL detainees from Syria concerning crimes committed against Iraqi citizens.
International Reactions
Iraq is urging other countries to repatriate their citizens detained in Syria. Maan stated that the process of returning these individuals will begin once all legal conditions are met. Among those relocated are individuals of various nationalities, including Syrians, Iraqis, and Europeans.
Shifts in Control in Northeastern Syria
Recent developments in northeastern Syria indicate a shift in control. The Syrian government has increased its presence in the region, prompting the SDF to retreat. A meeting occurred between the SDF Governor-designate, Nour Eddien Ahmad, and a Syrian government delegation at the Hasakah government building. This meeting signified the growing administrative control of the Syrian government in the area.
The raising of the Syrian national flag during this ceremony illustrates the reassertion of central authority in Hasakah. Government forces have also established their presence in Qamishli, a key urban stronghold of the Kurdish-led SDF, following a ceasefire agreement.
US Military Presence and Operations
Meanwhile, the US military’s role in Syria continues to evolve. Reports indicate that US personnel have vacated most watchtowers around a military installation in the al-Shaddadi area of Hasakah province. As part of this reduction, some equipment for managing air traffic has been removed.
Since establishing a military presence in Syria in October 2015, US troop numbers have varied, with approximately 1,400 personnel currently remaining in the region. US forces focus on countering any remnants of ISIL while also supporting Syrian governmental efforts. Recent military actions included a large-scale attack on ISIL in January, following previous incidents that resulted in casualties among US soldiers.
