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3h ago

U.S. Begins Transferring ISIS Detainees to Iraq as Syria Takes Control of Al-Hol Under Truce

The Iraqi request reflects a U.S. pivot toward Damascus taking over security from Kurdish forces.

Syrian government forces with their luggage wait to enter the al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria's Hasakeh province, Syria, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, after the withdrawal of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed)
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Syrian govt takes control of camp housing Islamic State group families
People climb over the damaged Al-Rashid Bridge, with some crossing on foot, after it was destroyed as Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces withdrew, a day after Syrian government forces took control of the area on the outskirts of Raqqa, northeastern Syria, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed)

Overview

  • U.S. Central Command moved 150 detainees from a Hasakah facility to Iraq and said as many as 7,000 could be relocated to Iraqi-run prisons.
  • Syrian government forces entered and now guard the Al-Hol camp after the SDF withdrew, with about 24,000 people still inside, mostly women and children.
  • A new four-day ceasefire gives the SDF time to consult on integration into state structures as custody handovers of detention sites proceed unevenly.
  • Authorities offered conflicting counts of escapees from Shaddadi prison, and state media said many were later recaptured after Damascus took control of the site.
  • U.S. envoy Tom Barrack said the SDF’s primary anti-ISIS role has largely expired, and Iraqi officials confirmed they requested and welcomed the detainee transfers.