U.S. Forces Launch Mission in Syria to Transfer ISIS Detainees to Iraq

January 21, 2026
Release Number 20260121-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) launched a new mission to transfer ISIS detainees from northeastern Syria to Iraq, Jan. 21, to help ensure the terrorists remain in secure detention facilities.

The transfer mission began while U.S. forces successfully transported 150 ISIS fighters held at a detention facility in Hasakah, Syria, to a secure location in Iraq. Ultimately, up to 7,000 ISIS detainees could be transferred from Syria to Iraqi-controlled facilities.

“We are closely coordinating with regional partners, including the Iraqi government, and we sincerely appreciate their role in ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. “Facilitating the orderly and secure transfer of ISIS detainees is critical to preventing a breakout that would pose a direct threat to the United States and regional security.”

In 2025, the U.S. and partner forces detained more than 300 ISIS operatives in Syria and killed over 20 during the same period.