The United States has transferred thousands of detainees associated with the group from Syria to Iraq.
When US President Donald Trump declared the Islamic State group defeated during his first term in office, many ISIL fighters and their families were imprisoned in northeastern Syria.
They continued to remain in prisons and detention centers until dramatic changes on the ground occurred in recent weeks.
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Fearing that detainees might flee, the United States has transferred more than 5,700 suspected ISIL fighters from Syria to Iraq.
This has led to serious concerns from human rights groups, who warn that detainees are at risk of torture and unfair trials.
So why did Washington decide to transfer these prisoners? And is this move motivated by a lack of trust in Syria’s new government?
Presenter: James Bays
guest:
Zeydon al-Kinani – independent researcher on identity politics in Iraq and the Middle East
Colin Clark – Executive Director of Soufan Center, a global intelligence and security consultancy
Sarah Sambar – Researcher, Middle East and North Africa, Human Rights Watch
Published February 18, 2026
