Iraqi Ministry Reports Over 5,000 ISIL Detainees Transferred from Syria

Iraq Receives Over 5,000 ISIL-Linked Detainees from Syrian Prisons

The Iraqi Ministry of Justice has confirmed that more than 3,000 Syrians are among approximately 5,064 ISIL-linked detainees who have been transferred to a prison in Iraq. The transfers were carried out at the request of an international coalition led by the United States.

According to Ahmed Laibi, spokesperson for the Iraqi Ministry of Justice, the process began as part of efforts to combat ISIL, with which Iraq is a key member. The coalition has been working to repatriate detainees from various countries, including Syria.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated that about 3,000 ISIL-linked detainees had been transferred, and that Baghdad was in discussions with other countries about repatriating their nationals. He noted that the process would require additional financial assistance, as there has been a recent increase in ISIL activity in Syria.

The US military has been transporting thousands of ISIL-linked prisoners from Syrian prisons since control was handed over to the Syrian government. The transfers have taken place amid a push by Damascus to assert its authority over the country, which remains fragmented following a brutal war.

A ceasefire has been struck between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), following deadly clashes that broke out in recent weeks. The detainees are being held in a single prison, with more than 3,000 of them identified as Syrians.

The Iraqi Justice Ministry has confirmed that all detainees will be investigated and prosecuted under Iraqi law, while responsibility for feeding the prisoners is being handled by the international coalition.

Source: Al Jazeera