By Micah Jonah
January 22, 2026
The United States military has begun transferring Islamic State detainees from Syria to Iraq, starting with the relocation of 150 fighters, as security concerns grow over detention facilities in northeastern Syria.
In a statement, U.S. forces said the detainees were moved from a facility in Hasakah, Syria, to secure locations in Iraq. Officials added that as many as 7,000 Islamic State detainees could eventually be transferred under the plan.
The move follows the rapid collapse of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which had been responsible for guarding several prisons and detention camps holding thousands of suspected Islamic State members and their families. The breakdown of control raised fears that detainees could escape or be freed amid shifting frontlines.
“We are closely coordinating with regional partners, including the Iraqi government, and we sincerely appreciate their role in ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS,” said U.S. Admiral Brad Cooper, who leads U.S. forces in the Middle East.
U.S. Central Command later said Admiral Cooper held discussions with Syrian President, Ahmed al Sharaa, during which he briefed him on the detainee transfers and stressed the need for all forces to avoid actions that could disrupt the operation.
Earlier this week, Syrian authorities announced a ceasefire with Kurdish forces after seizing large areas in the northeast. The government also gave Kurdish groups four days to agree to integrate into state institutions, a step encouraged by the United States.
The recent advances by government forces, reduced U.S. backing for Kurdish territorial control mark the most significant shift in Syria’s power structure since former President Bashar al Assad was removed more than a year ago.
A U.S. official said about 200 low level Islamic State detainees escaped from the Shaddadi prison earlier this week, although many were later recaptured by Syrian forces.
More than 10,000 Islamic State members, along with thousands of women and children linked to the group, remain held in prisons and camps across Syria, according to U.S. officials. Authorities say the ongoing transfers aim to prevent further security breakdowns, limit the risk of mass escapes.
