The US military has launched a mission to transfer up to 7,000 Islamic State (IS) group fighters from prisons in north-eastern Syria to Iraq, as Syrian government forces take control of areas long controlled by Kurdish-led forces. US Central Command has already moved 150 IS fighters from Hassakeh province to a secure location in Iraq, aiming to prevent a breakout that could pose a direct threat to the United States and regional security.
Recently, Syria's government announced a new ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) after the militia alliance withdrew from the al-Hol camp, which houses thousands of IS fighters' relatives. Separately, Syria's defense ministry reported that seven soldiers were killed in a drone attack by Kurdish forces in the Hasakah province. The Syrian government and SDF have exchanged blame over recent escapes of suspected IS fighters from an SDF-operated prison.
SDF spokesman Farhad Shami claimed that around 1,500 IS members had escaped during clashes, exacerbating security concerns as government forces also attacked several prisons. Despite the weakening of IS, they remain active, especially targeting Kurdish-led forces in the northeast. US operations have previously seen over 300 IS operatives detained in Syria in 2025. US special envoy Tom Barrack highlighted a potential for a long-term partnership with a unified Syrian state that enhances citizenship rights and political participation. "additionalInfo": "For more insights, check out the articles on related ceasefire agreements and the control of oil fields in Syria."
Recently, Syria's government announced a new ceasefire with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) after the militia alliance withdrew from the al-Hol camp, which houses thousands of IS fighters' relatives. Separately, Syria's defense ministry reported that seven soldiers were killed in a drone attack by Kurdish forces in the Hasakah province. The Syrian government and SDF have exchanged blame over recent escapes of suspected IS fighters from an SDF-operated prison.
SDF spokesman Farhad Shami claimed that around 1,500 IS members had escaped during clashes, exacerbating security concerns as government forces also attacked several prisons. Despite the weakening of IS, they remain active, especially targeting Kurdish-led forces in the northeast. US operations have previously seen over 300 IS operatives detained in Syria in 2025. US special envoy Tom Barrack highlighted a potential for a long-term partnership with a unified Syrian state that enhances citizenship rights and political participation. "additionalInfo": "For more insights, check out the articles on related ceasefire agreements and the control of oil fields in Syria."
