Archive · 22 Jan 2026
U.S. Moves ISIS Prisoners Amid Syria Tensions
The U.S. is moving captured Islamic State (ISIS) fighters from Syria to Iraq because there are worries that the peace deal between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) might not last.
The U.S. flew 150 ISIS fighters to Iraq and plans to move up to 7,000 more.
The Syrian government and the SDF have a temporary peace agreement, but there are concerns that the agreement might fail, and the ISIS fighters could escape.
The U.S. is working with the new Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, to handle the situation.
The U.S. has been fighting ISIS and has captured many fighters over the past year.
The situation is complicated because the SDF, which the U.S. worked with before, is now being asked to join the Syrian government's forces.
The U.S. is moving up to 7,000 ISIS fighters from Syria to Iraq due to fears of a security breakdown.
A ceasefire agreement between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led SDF is under threat.
The new Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, is working with the U.S. to transfer control of ISIS detention facilities.
The U.S. has captured over 300 ISIS operatives and killed more than 20 in the past year.
The transfer of ISIS prisoners is seen as critical to preventing a breakout that could threaten regional security.
- Who
- U.S. forces, Syrian government, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), ISIS fighters
- What
- Transfer of ISIS prisoners and ceasefire negotiations
- When
- January 2024
- Where
- Northeastern Syria and Iraq
- Why
- Fears of security breakdown and ISIS escape
- Location
- Hasakah province, northeastern Syria and Iraq
- Prisoners Moved
- 150 ISIS fighters, with up to 7,000 more to be moved
- Transfer Method
- U.S. C-17 aircraft
- Ceasefire Duration
- Four days
- U.S. Position
- Supports government's offer for SDF integration
- New Syrian Government
- Led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa
- ISIS Threat
- Remnants attempting to regroup
- U.S. Response
- Airstrikes and counterterrorism efforts
Sources
Syria says seven soldiers killed in a drone attack by Kurdish forces
Syria accuses Kurds of breaking truce in threat to chances of deal
Explainer-How Syria’s government has redrawn map with advances against the Kurds
How Syria’s Sharaa captured Kurdish-held areas while keeping the US onside
US military starts transferring Islamic State detainees from Syria to Iraq
How Syria's Al-Sharaa Captured Kurdish Areas While Keeping The US Onside
Syrian defence ministry says 11 soldiers killed, 25 wounded in attacks by Kurdish-led SDF after ceasefire
US moves ISIS prisoners in Syria to jails in Iraq amid concern over security
Explainer-Damascus brings more of Syria under its control as US policy shifts
