Baghdad officials have announced that militants supported by the US-led coalition in Syria have handed over more than 280 detained ISIS members to the Iraqi government. Iraqi officials state that those transferred are 'only a small number' of the ISIS detainees held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). An Iraqi security official announced on February 21 that the 'Democratic Forces' had previously handed over over 150 Iraqi fighters of this group to Iraq, and more captives from the so-called Islamic State are expected to be transferred in the near future. The Prime Minister of Iraq has stated that the country will accept all Iraqi members of the Islamic State group and their families who have been detained in battles in Syria. According to Iraqi officials, the transfer of detainees 'will continue until it is fully completed.' It has been reported that there are over 500 living Iraqi fighters among those detained in Syria. The Islamic State group took control of large parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014, reaching close to the borders of Iran. However, ultimately, the Iraqi military, with the help of the United States, launched a large-scale operation against the group's members. Iran-backed militants were also present in this operation. Eventually, in mid-July 2017, this group was expelled from Iraq. However, its presence in Syria continued until late February of this year, when the leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces announced that the group is on the verge of complete defeat. Reports indicate that the Syrian Democratic Forces have now besieged the remaining ISIS members in a small town in the Syrian desert. Nonetheless, various challenges remain for the US-led coalition, its supported militants, and the countries from which ISIS members have gone to Syria. US President Donald Trump has announced that his military forces will withdraw from Syria after the battles are over. However, the White House recently stated that a 'small peacekeeping force' will remain in Syria. Trump has also asked America's European allies to 'take back' hundreds of detained ISIS members. According to the European Commission, between 2011 and 2016, a total of 42,000 people joined ISIS, nearly 5,000 of whom are citizens of Europe.
US-backed group in Syria hands over more than 280 ISIS members to Iraq
US-backed forces in Syria have transferred over 280 ISIS detainees to Iraq, with more expected to follow. This operation highlights ongoing challenges in managing ISIS remnants and the complexities of international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. The situation remains critical as the US plans to withdraw its forces while urging European allies to repatriate their citizens involved with ISIS.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The Syrian Democratic Forces have handed over over 280 ISIS detainees to the Iraqi government, with more transfers expected in the future. This is part of ongoing efforts to manage the remnants of ISIS following their territorial defeat.
- Over 500 Iraqi fighters are still detained in Syria.
- The Iraqi Prime Minister has stated that all detained Iraqi ISIS members and their families will be accepted back.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
ISIS emerged in the early 2010s, seizing large territories in Iraq and Syria, prompting international military intervention. The group's territorial defeat has led to ongoing concerns about its remnants and potential resurgence.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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