US transfers ISIL detainees to Iraq as northeast Syria base draws down

"United States forces have transported a third group of ISIL (ISIS) detainees from Ghwayran prison in Syria's Hasakah province to Iraq by land, as activity around a US military base in the region points to possible operational changes, an Al Jazeera correspondent reports. The transfer on Saturday forms part of a trilateral arrangement, which has emerged as part of a painstaking ceasefire after deadly clashes involving the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)."

"Earlier, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the start of a broader operation to move detainees from facilities across the region, with officials outlining a plan to transfer about 7,000 prisoners. Iraq has launched investigations into ISIL detainees from Syria over atrocities committed against its citizens. Security developments in northeastern Syria have accelerated in recent weeks in the wake of government forces sweeping across the north and SDF retreats."

"On Saturday, SDF governor-designate Nour Eddien Ahmad met a Damascus delegation at the Hasakah government building before a Syrian national flag-raising ceremony. The meeting carries political significance as the agreement between Damascus and the SDF allows the group to nominate the governor of Hasakah, with Ahmad expected to be formally appointed by the Syrian government. The visiting delegation includes senior government security officials, underscoring Damascus's expanding administrative control in the province."

Iraqi authorities have launched investigations into ISIL detainees being transferred from northeastern Syria over atrocities committed against Iraqi citizens. United States forces have moved a third group of ISIL detainees from Ghwayran prison in Hasakah province to Iraq by land as part of a trilateral arrangement tied to a ceasefire after clashes between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). US Central Command confirmed a broader operation to relocate detainees across the region with plans to transfer about 7,000 prisoners. Security changes in northeastern Syria have accelerated as government forces expand presence and SDF forces retreat, and Damascus is reasserting administrative control in Hasakah.

Read at www.aljazeera.com