Sudani, Macron discuss Syria, ISIS prisoner transfers to Iraq

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.”

Kurdish authorities in northeast Syria have repeatedly urged the international community to repatriate refugees and try their citizens in prisons for terror-related crimes. In June, Iraq and the United Nations reached an agreement to repatriate all Iraqi nationals from al-Hol camp by 2027.

Amid escalating tensions in northeastern Syria, Iraq also reinforced its borders this week.

Sudani expressed appreciation for France’s role in the US-led military coalition against ISIS, which operates in northeastern Syria and Iraq, and affirmed “the continuation of bilateral cooperation in security and defense, as well as in developing the combat capabilities of Iraq’s armed forces.”

According to Sudani’s office, Macron “expressed his appreciation for Iraq’s positions at the international level,” noting that Iraq supports regional stability and “sustainable solutions.”

He praised “France’s commitment to providing technical and financial support to address the situation of detained ISIS individuals.”

Earlier on Friday, the government’s Syrian Arab Army announced it transferred SDF members from al-Aqtan prison and surrounding areas in Raqqa province to the Kurdish-held town of Kobane as part of a ceasefire agreement.

The move marks the first step in implementing a January 18 agreement between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi, which transfers control of the prisons to Syria’s interior ministry.


Updated at 6:50 pm.