Iraqi judicial and security authorities have launched extensive investigations into 1,387 individuals affiliated with the ISIS terrorist organization, following their transfer from Syrian territory into Iraq. This step is part of a series of security and legal measures being taken by Baghdad to resolve the issue of Iraqi detainees held in prisons run by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Details of the transfer and investigation process
Informed sources confirmed that the handover took place through high-level security coordination between Iraqi and Syrian forces, under the supervision of the international coalition. These individuals were transferred to high-security detention centers, where the relevant authorities began recording their statements and matching their information with the Iraqi security database of wanted persons. These detainees are being investigated in accordance with Article 4 of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Law No. 13 of 2005, which stipulates severe penalties for anyone found to be involved in terrorist acts.
Historical background and general context
The roots of this issue lie in the period following Iraq's declaration of military victory over ISIS in late 2017, and the subsequent fall of the group's last stronghold in Baghouz, Syria, in 2019. The collapse of the so-called "caliphate" led to the arrest of thousands of ISIS fighters and their families by the Syrian Democratic Forces, who were detained in prisons and camps, most notably al-Hol camp and al-Sina'a prison in al-Hasakah. Since then, Iraq has been demanding the repatriation of its citizens for trial within the country, both to ensure they do not pose a future threat and to alleviate the security burden on the Syrian side, which has repeatedly warned of the difficulty of controlling such large numbers.
Security and strategic importance
This step is of paramount importance both domestically and regionally. Domestically, Iraq seeks to close the file on Iraqi ISIS members abroad to prevent any attempts by them to escape or regroup, especially after the prison riots in Hasakah. Regionally, this cooperation is part of a broader strategy to secure the Iraqi-Syrian border, which has long served as a vital corridor for the movement of extremist groups. This measure also reflects Iraq's commitment to its legal responsibilities towards its citizens involved in terrorism, amidst international calls for countries to repatriate their nationals who fought as foreign fighters.
Future challenges
Despite the importance of this step, it presents the Iraqi judiciary with significant challenges, namely the sheer volume of cases requiring thorough examination and scrutiny of evidence to ensure fair trials that meet legal standards. The issue also raises questions about potential rehabilitation programs, particularly for those not directly involved in acts of murder, and how to address the extremist ideology they may hold to prevent them from threatening social peace in the future.
