Baghdad – The Iraqi Justice Ministry announced Thursday the completion of the transfer of all Islamic State (ISIS) detainees from Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) custody in northeastern Syria to Iraqi prisons, a move that raises questions about the future of justice for ISIS fighters and the security implications for the region.
Iraqi Justice Minister Khalid Shwani stated that the final group of detainees arrived in Iraq on February 12, 2026, and have been placed in high-security prisons in Baghdad. “The detainees will not be transferred to prisons in the Kurdistan Region, such as Jamjamal or Sousa, as those facilities are designated for common criminals and civilians,” Shwani said in a press statement. “These individuals are classified as terrorists.”
According to the minister, the transferred group includes prominent ISIS leaders and individuals considered highly dangerous, all of whom have been subjected to heightened security measures.
Iraqi Joint Operations Command data indicates that approximately 5,000 detainees have been transferred as of Wednesday, February 11, 2026. U.S. Estimates suggest the total number of ISIS fighters transferred from Syria could reach 7,000. The majority of the detainees are Syrian nationals, but they also include individuals from more than 60 countries.
Shwani explained that Iraq has formed an internal security team to oversee the handover process and a specialized judicial committee to prepare case files and classify charges under Iraqi anti-terrorism and penal codes, paving the way for prosecution in relevant courts.
The transfer of ISIS detainees to Iraq underscores the ongoing challenges of dealing with the remnants of the terrorist organization and the complexities of ensuring accountability for its members. The development could influence future diplomatic talks regarding the long-term security situation in Syria and Iraq.
