The US military has launched a new operation to transfer ISIS detainees from northeastern Syria to Iraq in an effort to ensure the militants remain in secure detention facilities, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Wednesday.
In an official statement, CENTCOM said the mission began on January 21, when US forces successfully transported 150 ISIS fighters from a detention facility in Hasakah, Syria, to a secure location in Iraq.
The command added that up to 7,000 ISIS detainees could eventually be moved from Syria to Iraqi-controlled facilities as part of the wider effort.
CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the United States is working closely with regional partners, including the Iraqi government, to ensure the long-term defeat of ISIS.
“We are closely coordinating with regional partners, including the Iraqi government and we sincerely appreciate their role in ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS,” he said.
He added that the transfer operation is aimed at reducing the risk of a prison break that could pose a serious threat to both regional and international security.
“Facilitating the orderly and secure transfer of ISIS detainees is critical to preventing a breakout that would pose a direct threat to the United States and regional security,” Cooper said.
CENTCOM also said that in 2025 US and partner forces detained more than 300 ISIS operatives in Syria and killed over 20 during operations against the group.
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