Baghdad, January 27, 2026 – Iraq’s National Security Ministerial Council has approved the creation of a dedicated security committee to manage the transfer of Islamic State (ISIS, also known as Daesh) members from detention facilities in Syria to Iraqi prisons, ensuring their secure handling and eventual prosecution. The decision underscores Baghdad's proactive stance in addressing the security risks posed by thousands of ISIS-linked detainees amid shifting control in northeastern Syria.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani chaired the council's meeting, where discussions focused on the transfer process and associated security implications, according to a statement from his media office released through the Iraqi News Agency (INA). The council endorsed an "integrated roadmap" and formed a unified security committee tasked with fully overseeing the relocation of ISIS elements from Syrian prisons, managing their cases, and ensuring they face justice.
The body reaffirmed its earlier approval of the transfers, characterizing the move as "a purely security decision aimed at protecting Iraq." Officials emphasized the necessity of sustained collaboration with the US-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and called on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities in repatriating foreign nationals among the detainees and supporting related efforts.
This development follows Prime Minister al-Sudani's remarks on Sunday during a meeting with UN Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support Atul Khare. Al-Sudani described the transfers as "temporary," reiterating Iraq's call for countries of origin to repatriate their citizens affiliated with the terrorist group. He stressed that Iraq cannot shoulder the burden indefinitely, highlighting the strain on domestic resources and infrastructure.
The initiative stems from recent US-led operations to relocate detainees following the Syrian government's reclamation of territories previously held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). On January 21, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the launch of a mission to transfer ISIS detainees from northeastern Syria to Iraq to prevent potential breakouts amid instability. The first phase involved US forces moving 150 detainees from a facility in Hasakah province to secure locations in Iraq. CENTCOM indicated that up to 7,000 individuals could eventually be relocated to Iraqi-controlled facilities, prioritizing those deemed most dangerous.
The transfers have proceeded in coordination with Iraqi authorities, the Syrian transitional government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and the broader coalition. CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper has engaged directly with Syrian leadership to ensure adherence to ceasefire agreements and avoid interference in the process. Iraqi officials, including armed forces spokesperson Sabah al-Numan, confirmed receipt of the initial batch of 150 detainees—comprising both Iraqi nationals and foreigners involved in attacks against Iraqis—and their placement in government-run correctional institutions.
The urgency of these measures intensified after SDF withdrawals from key sites, including major prisons and camps like al-Hol, which housed thousands of ISIS fighters, family members, and suspected affiliates. A recent jailbreak in one facility highlighted vulnerabilities, prompting fears that escapes could enable ISIS remnants to regroup and threaten Iraq's border regions. Iraq has long viewed these detainees as a direct national security threat, given the group's origins in Iraqi territory and its history of cross-border operations.
Once in Iraq, transferred individuals face prosecution under domestic anti-terrorism laws. The Supreme Judicial Council has indicated that those accused of terrorism will undergo investigations by security forces and trials in Iraqi courts. Detainees include a mix of nationalities: Iraqis form the largest group, alongside fighters from Arab countries, Central Asia, and Europe—including Britain, Belgium, France, Germany, and Sweden. Iraq has repatriated thousands of its own nationals from Syrian camps in recent years, but the current influx involves both Iraqis and foreigners.
The transfers align with broader regional shifts following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in late 2024 and the subsequent integration of northeastern Syria under Damascus control. Agreements between Damascus and the SDF have facilitated ceasefires, territorial handovers, and responsibility for detention sites. The Syrian government has welcomed the moves as steps toward enhanced security and stability, while the US has praised Iraq's leadership within the coalition and its willingness to accept detainees to mitigate risks.
International partners have expressed appreciation for Iraq's role. US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have commended Baghdad's initiative in expediting transfers during recent communications with al-Sudani. The US has emphasized coordination to prevent ISIS resurgence, noting that secure detention prevents breakouts that could endanger regional and global security.
However, challenges persist. Iraq's prison system faces overcrowding, resource constraints, and security concerns. Rights groups have raised alarms about potential mistreatment, torture, or unfair trials in Iraqi facilities, urging transparency and adherence to international standards. Baghdad has countered by stressing the temporary nature of the arrangement and the need for foreign governments to repatriate their citizens promptly. Prime Minister al-Sudani has engaged European leaders, including France's Emmanuel Macron, to press for repatriations, though many countries remain reluctant due to legal, security, and political hurdles.
The formation of the security committee represents a structured response to these complexities, aiming to streamline logistics, enhance oversight, and ensure judicial processes proceed efficiently. The committee will coordinate with coalition partners, monitor transfers, and address logistical issues such as transportation, security protocols, and integration into existing facilities.
As the process advances— with hundreds potentially moving daily—the international community watches closely. The success of these efforts could significantly weaken ISIS's lingering capabilities by centralizing high-risk detainees under Iraqi jurisdiction, where they can be prosecuted for crimes committed against Iraqis and others. Yet, it also tests Iraq's capacity to manage a large-scale security operation amid domestic political deliberations and regional tensions.
The decision reflects Baghdad's determination to safeguard its sovereignty and prevent terrorist resurgence, while underscoring the shared responsibility of the global community in dismantling ISIS networks. With transfers ongoing and the committee now operational, the coming weeks will be critical in determining the long-term impact on regional counterterrorism efforts.
