I had mentioned this was occurring in a previous post regarding Syria. The US is moving their irregular forces from one location to another and will most certainly prepare them for an upcoming operation. Where they will regroup, possibly re entering Syria, Turkey or perhaps Iran. What ever the case- the US will employ their assets as necessary
Igniting controversy in Iraq, the US military has begun transferring thousands of alleged Islamic State group (IS) detainees from Syrian custody to Iraqi prison facilities. The mission is expected to relocate up to 7,000 suspected militants
Iraqi government spokesman Basim Al-Awadi on Jan. 22 told the official Iraqi News Agency that the transfer was a “preemptive step to defend…national security.”
- Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) Chairman Falih Al-Fayyadh has similarly projected confidence, telling journalists that the authorities have “prepared secure and fortified locations in southern Iraq.”
- Yet, the transfers of inmates to Iraq suggest that US officials may doubt the Syrian administration’s capacity and willingness to keep IS members detained. This is notably despite the integration of Damascus into the US-led anti-IS coalition in Dec. 2025.
That’s not how I’m seeing this situation. The US is afraid that the Syrian administration would keep the IS members detained. Cause that is in their best interest! And the US does not want this at all!
Keep in mind that when ISIL/ISIS entered Syria, these irregulars came with their white Toyota’s from Iraq. Northern Iraq. These irregulars have come full circle
- Iraq already houses approximately 65,000 inmates across a system built for roughly 35,000. Reports suggest that many facilities operate at 200% capacity, down from a peak of above 300% following recent reforms.
Of note, the introduction of a General Amnesty Law in 2025 has seen thousands of Iraqis accused of having ties to IS released from detention.
- The addition of 7,000 high-security detainees represents a systemic shock that observers have suggested could strain already problematic judicial and carceral infrastructure.
- The future: US officials have stated that the detainee transfers will accelerate over the coming weeks as hundreds are moved to Iraqi facilities (US military bases in Iraq? Smart money say’s YES! ) via air transport on a daily basis.
Refresh some recent happenings in that part of the region;
In plain and clear language- The Kurds of N/E Syria almost certainly released their ISIS prisoners in hopes of increasing pressure on Damascus and Turkey. Knowing that US and Israel would chomp at the bit.