US Transfers Islamic State Detainees Amid Ongoing Syrian Conflict

Mon Feb 02 2026 23:46:38 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Following the recent control loss by Kurdish forces in Syria, the United States executes a strategic transfer of Islamic State prisoners from Syria to secure locations in Iraq, aiming to mitigate potential threats to regional security.

The US military has initiated a transfer operation for up to 7,000 Islamic State fighters from north-eastern Syria to Iraq, in response to increased control by Syrian government forces in Kurdish-held areas. This action is part of a larger aim to prevent possible escape and threats posed by IS fighters, coinciding with a new ceasefire announcement between Syrian government and Kurdish forces. There are ongoing concerns regarding security and control over IS prisoners amidst fluctuating alliances and attacks in Syria.

The US military has launched a mission to transfer up to 7,000 Islamic State (IS) group fighters from prisons in north-eastern Syria to Iraq, as Syrian government forces take control of areas long controlled by Kurdish-led forces.

US Central Command stated that it has already moved 150 IS fighters from Hassakeh province to a secure location in Iraq. This move aims to prevent a breakout that 'would pose a direct threat to the United States and regional security.'

On Tuesday night, Syria's government announced a new ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), after the militia alliance withdrew from al-Hol camp, which holds thousands of relatives of IS fighters.

Separately, Syria's defence ministry reported that seven soldiers were killed in a drone attack by Kurdish forces in the Kurdish-dominated province of Hasakah.

The situation remains tense, with ongoing clashes resulting in suspected IS fighters escaping from SDF-run prisons. The SDF claims that around 1,500 IS members have escaped during recent hostilities, further complicating the security situation.

While IS has been significantly weakened in Syria, they continue to pose a threat, primarily targeting Kurdish-led forces. US forces have stated their current focus lies in ensuring the safety of facilities housing IS prisoners, alongside facilitating talks between the SDF and the Syrian government for a more stable future.