Iraq has taken custody of 2,225 detainees affiliated with the Islamic State group, following transfers initiated by the US military from Syria last month, according to an Iraqi official. The transfers are part of ongoing efforts to manage IS prisoners held in detention facilities across the region.
The detainees were moved amid concerns over security and stability in northeastern Syria, where many IS members have been held since the group’s territorial defeat. Iraqi authorities are now responsible for processing and detaining these individuals within Iraq’s prison system.
**Why this matters**
The transfer of IS detainees to Iraq is significant for regional security and counterterrorism efforts. It reflects international cooperation in handling high-risk prisoners and aims to prevent potential escapes or resurgence of IS activity in Syria. Managing these detainees also poses challenges related to security, legal processes, and humanitarian considerations.
Source: NewsData
