Baghdad has received a group of 150 detainees affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) from northeastern Syria, according to a statement from Iraqi government spokesman Basim al-Awadi. Investigations are currently underway to determine the nationalities of the detainees, with the intention of repatriating foreign nationals to their respective countries and prosecuting Iraqi citizens under the law.
Al-Awadi stated that Iraq’s decision to receive the detainees was a proactive measure prompted by the evolving security situation in Syria. This operation was conducted in direct coordination with the international coalition and in communication with the Syrian government to ensure a smooth transfer and handover process.
Iraq had previously announced the commencement of judicial proceedings against detainees transferred from SDF prisons. Baghdad confirmed the receipt of an initial group comprising both Iraqi and foreign individuals, with further transfers expected in the coming days. The Iraqi judiciary will conduct thorough investigations, including verifying identities, names, and criminal records, relying on information from Iraqi security and intelligence agencies.
Al-Awadi emphasized the Iraqi intelligence community’s extensive experience in tracking extremist organizations since 2004. The investigations will focus on completing any unresolved aspects of past cases and determining the individual roles and responsibilities of each detainee. This will ensure justice and accountability.
Regarding non-Iraqi detainees, al-Awadi added that the government will, after initial investigations, contact the countries of origin of the foreign detainees to arrange for their repatriation following their detention in Iraq. This is a crucial step for international security.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani previously called on the international community, particularly European Union member states, to take responsibility and repatriate their citizens who were affiliated with ISIS, during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron. Al-Sudani stressed the importance of countries receiving their nationals to ensure they face justice and receive fair punishment, emphasizing that Iraq will not serve as a permanent substitute.
