US ISIL Detainee Transfer Syria Iraq 2026: A Strategic Shift as SDF Retreats

The geopolitical landscape in northeastern Syria's shifting fast. On January 21, 2026, the United States officially began transferring ISIL-linked detainees to Iraq. This move comes as the Syrian national army regains control over territory once held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), marking a definitive end to a years-long security arrangement.

US ISIL Detainee Transfer Syria Iraq 2026 Underway

The US military confirmed it's already moved 150 detainees from a facility in Hasakah to secure sites in Iraq. It's a preemptive strike against chaos; with the SDF withdrawing, the risk of mass prison breaks has skyrocketed. Admiral Brad Cooper emphasized that ensuring these individuals remain behind bars is vital for "the enduring defeat of ISIS."

SDF’s Role Expires as Damascus Advances

The Kurdish-led SDF, once the West's primary boots on the ground, is stepping back. As Syrian government forces advance, the SDF has vacated key sites, including the massive al-Hol camp which houses 24,000 people. US envoys have signaled a major policy pivot, indicating that the Syrian government—not the SDF—will now be the primary entity managing the region's security.

Baghdad has given the green light for the transfers after monitoring the volatile situation across the border. Iraqi spokesperson Sabah al-Numan stated that both Iraqi and foreign nationals will be placed in government-run correctional institutions. With up to 7,000 detainees potentially involved, this first batch of 150 is just the beginning of a larger logistical operation.