ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani and French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday discussed the transfer of Islamic State (ISIS) detainees from northeast Syria to Iraqi prisons, emphasizing international responsibility for prosecuting foreign nationals linked to the extremist group.
In a phone call, the leaders “reviewed the latest developments in Syria, as well as the temporary transfer of a number of foreign nationals affiliated with the ISIS terrorist organization, who are detained in prisons run by the Syrian Democratic Forces [SDF], to Iraqi prisons,” according to a statement from Sudani’s office.
On Wednesday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the transfer of 150 ISIS detainees from a detention facility in Hasaka to a secure location in Iraq, adding that up to 7,000 ISIS prisoners could be moved to Iraqi-controlled sites.
Hundreds of ISIS prisoners escaped detention facilities long controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) this week as the SDF said prisons came under attack by Damascus-affiliated armed groups in the area. Kurdish forces also withdrew from al-Hol camp, located southeast of Hasaka, which houses 25,000 family members of ISIS fighters.
The camp is located around 10 kilometers from the Iraqi border, raising fears that ISIS-linked refugees could try to cross into Iraq, Sheikhmous Ahmed, who oversees camps for internally displaced people and refugees in Rojava, told Rudaw on Tuesday.
Sudani “stressed the importance of countries around the world, particularly European Union member states, assuming their responsibilities by receiving country nationals, ensuring their prosecution, and ensuring that they are tried and punished fairly.