Micah Jonah
January 31, 2026
The United States has slowed the transfer of Islamic State detainees from Syria to Iraq following requests by the Iraqi government for more time to prepare detention facilities, engage other countries on the repatriation of their nationals.
The transfers began on January 21 after the collapse of Kurdish-led security control in parts of northeastern Syria raised concerns over the safety of detention camps holding suspected Islamic State fighters.
Initial plans indicated that up to 7,000 detainees would be moved within days. However, fewer than 500 have been transferred so far, including about 130 Iraqi nationals and roughly 400 foreign fighters, according to Iraqi officials.
Baghdad requested a slowdown to allow discussions with foreign governments whose citizens are among the detainees and to expand prison capacity to accommodate additional transfers.
Iraqi authorities have expressed concern that receiving all the detainees could overwhelm the country’s judicial and correctional systems. Officials also warned that mass trials or capital sentences could trigger diplomatic backlash from Western nations.
An official from Iraq’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the country has repeatedly urged foreign governments to take responsibility for their citizens who joined Islamic State, noting that only a few countries have complied so far.
Thousands of foreign fighters captured during the defeat of Islamic State have remained in detention in Syria and Iraq for nearly a decade, largely due to reluctance by their home countries to accept their return.
The US government has maintained that the detainees’ stay in Iraq is temporary, has continued to call on foreign states to repatriate their citizens to face justice under their national laws.
Iraq and the United States are continuing diplomatic engagements aimed at resolving the situation, preventing long-term detention challenges.
