- Initial Transfers: US began handing over 150 ISIL detainees from Al Hasakah base in northeast Syria to Iraq on February 4, 2026, via Al Walid crossing, including 92 Iraqis and 58 foreigners from 12 countries.
- Total Expected: Approximately 7,000 detainees (4,200 Iraqi, 2,800 foreign) to transfer over 18 months as US draws down from 900 to 300 troops at the facility.
- Iraqi Response: Investigations launched at Nineveh/Anbar tribunals under 2015 anti-terror law; 17 confessions detail global ISIL plots; charges carry death penalty.
- Security Context: Supports US force reductions per Trump's 2025 review; SDF relieved of capacity strain amid ISIS jailbreak threats and militia attacks.
- International Angle: Coalition eyes third-country repatriations (France 22, Germany 15); Riyadh meeting to address post-SDF Syria adaptations.
Baghdad (Washington Insider Magazine) February 7, 2026 – The United States has begun transferring ISIL detainees from northeast Syria to Iraq as part of a drawdown at Al Hasakah detention facility. Iraq has launched investigations into the initial group of detainees, with approximately 7,000 expected to arrive in total. The transfers support US force reductions while addressing long-term detention of foreign terrorist fighters.
The first convoy of 150 ISIL suspects crossed from Syria into Iraq on February 4, 2026, under US and Iraqi security coordination. Iraqi authorities initiated judicial proceedings at facilities in Nineveh and Anbar provinces. The process aligns with agreements reached during US-Iraq defence talks in December 2025.
What Details Surround the Initial Detainee Transfers?
US Central Command confirmed the transfer of 150 high-value ISIL detainees from Al Hasakah Airbase in northeast Syria to Iraqi custody on February 4, 2026. The group included 92 Iraqi nationals and 58 foreign fighters from 12 countries. Convoys travelled via the Al Walid border crossing under joint US-Iraqi-Kurdish escort.
Iraqi National Security Service spokesman Brigadier General Mohammed Kadhim stated that investigations have commenced at secure facilities in Rutba and Tal Afar.
How Many Detainees Are Expected in Total?
Iraqi government sources project 7,000 ISIL detainees will transfer from Syria over 18 months. The figure comprises 4,200 Iraqi citizens and 2,800 foreign nationals held by Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
As counter-ISIS expert Charles Lister noted ahead of coalition discussions on the detainee crisis, On Monday, the counter-#ISIS coalition will convene a crucial meeting in #Riyadh, #SaudiArabia in order to discuss the issue of #ISIS detainees in northeast #Syria. For the US, the issue of 3rd-country repatriations will be top of the agenda -- & adapting to a post-#SDF #Syria.
On Monday, the counter-#ISIS coalition will convene a crucial meeting in #Riyadh, #SaudiArabia in order to discuss the issue of #ISIS detainees in northeast #Syria.
— Charles Lister (@Charles_Lister) February 5, 2026
For the US, the issue of 3rd-country repatriations will be top of the agenda -- & adapting to a post-#SDF #Syria.
Why Is the US Drawing Down Al Hasakah Base?
Al Hasakah facility, operational since 2018, houses 9,000 ISIL combatants captured during the 2019 Baghouz offensive. US troop levels at the base reduced from 900 to 300 personnel by January 2026. Drawdown supports President Trump's directive for Middle East force posture review completed in October 2025.
Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder stated that the mission transition hands detention responsibilities to capable Iraqi partners.
What Investigations Has Iraq Launched?
Iraqi Higher Judicial Council activated three specialised tribunals in Nineveh, Anbar, and Diyala provinces. Initial 150 detainees face charges under 2015 anti-terrorism law carrying death penalty or life imprisonment. Confessions extracted from 17 suspects detail ISIL networks in Europe and Asia.
Federal Police Colonel Hassan Al-Mutairi reported that digital forensics confirm plots against Baghdad infrastructure.
Which Countries' Nationals Are Among Detainees?
Foreign fighters include 22 French, 15 German, 9 Belgian, and 7 Dutch citizens. Tunisian (18), Saudi (14), and Russian (11) nationals comprise the largest contingents. SDF records list 55 nationalities total.
US State Department repatriated 19 American citizens since 2022. Iraq prioritises return of 1,200 Tunisian fighters per bilateral pacts.
What Security Measures Protect Transfers?
Convoys utilise MRAP vehicles with drone overwatch and Apache helicopter cover. Iraqi Golden Division commandos secure border points. ISIS claimed responsibility for three ambushes repelled with 12 militants killed.
Al Hasakah base fortifications include reinforced bunkers housing 4,000 detainees.
How Does This Impact SDF Detention Operations?
SDF controls 26 detention sites and Al Hol camp with 900 US advisors. Transfers alleviate capacity strains; SDF manpower reduced 15 per cent since 2024. US$200 million annual funding continues through 2027.
What Is the Legal Framework for Prosecutions?
Iraq applies Article 4 of 2005 constitution authorising military tribunals for terrorism. UNAMA monitors trials ensuring due process.
European Court of Human Rights rulings mandate fair trials for repatriated nationals.
Which Previous Transfers Preceded Current Operations?
January 2025: 450 Iraqi detainees returned via Semalka crossing. Cumulative transfers total 2,100 since 2022. Iraq convicted 1,800 ISIL members with 450 death sentences upheld.
What Regional Reactions Have Emerged?
Turkey welcomed reductions in PKK-aligned SDF capabilities. Syria's HTS government demanded custody of 800 Syrian nationals.
UN Special Representative Stephanie Koury commended multilateral burden-sharing.
How Many US Troops Remain in Syria Post-Drawdown?
US maintains 900 personnel across 10 sites including Tanf garrison and Kobane base.
What Threats Do Remaining Detainees Pose?
ISIL central command ordered jailbreak operations in January 2026 propaganda. Global Coalition reports 15 foiled plots linked to detainees.
Which Facilities Hold Transferred Detainees?
Nineveh Processing Centre capacity expanded to 3,000. Anbar Consolidation Facility houses 2,500.
What International Support Funds Operations?
US contributed $450 million since 2021 for Iraqi detention. EU allocated €75 million for judicial reforms.
How Are Family Members Handled?
3,200 children accompany detainees to family units in Tal Kayf camp. UNICEF vaccinated 2,100 arrivals against polio.
What Monitoring Ensures Human Rights Compliance?
US Office of Security Cooperation verifies conditions quarterly. Human Rights Watch accessed three facilities in January 2026.
Iraq reports zero escapes since transfers began.