Defusing the "Ticking Time Bomb": Iraq Transfers 4,500 ISIS Detainees from Syria to High-Security Jails

Major General Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, confirmed on Thursday, February 12, 2026, that Iraq has successfully transferred over 4,500 ISIS detainees from Syria. This strategic move, coordinated with the International Coalition, aims to prevent terrorists from escaping amid the ongoing instability in northeastern Syria. Numan emphasized that the decision was based on "precise calculations" to protect national security and block any attempt to revive the 2014 rhetoric.

Iraqi Justice Minister Khalid Shwani noted that the final batch arrived in Baghdad today, including high-profile "Emirs" and extremely dangerous figures. These detainees are being held in maximum-security facilities under the Ministry of Justice's authority. While Baghdad continues to urge foreign governments to repatriate their citizens, Numan lamented that the international response remains "weak," leaving Iraq to manage the complex judicial and security burden of processing thousands of terrorists from over 60 nationalities.