Iraq, France discuss ISIS detainee transfers from Syria

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani discussed the transfer of Islamic State detainees from northeastern Syria to Iraqi prisons during a phone call Friday with French President Emmanuel Macron, as Baghdad presses European states to take responsibility for their nationals held on terrorism charges.

According to a statement from the prime minister’s media office, the call reviewed “the latest developments in Syria, as well as the temporary transfer of a number of foreign nationals affiliated with the ISIS terrorist organization, who are detained in prisons run by the Syrian Democratic Forces, to Iraqi prisons.”

Al-Sudani stressed “the importance of countries around the world, particularly European Union member states, assuming their responsibilities by receiving those individuals who hold their nationalities, ensuring their prosecution, and ensuring that they receive fair punishment.”

Iraq has recently begun receiving Islamic State detainees transferred from prisons in northeastern Syria formerly run by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, following rapid security changes and growing concerns over prison security there. U.S. Central Command has said the initial phase moved 150 ISIS fighters from Hasakah to Iraq, with the program potentially expanding to include thousands more. Iraqi authorities say the transfers are coordinated with the international coalition and are intended to prevent escapes and renewed threats, while the Supreme Judicial Council has confirmed that all detainees, regardless of nationality, will be prosecuted under Iraqi law, as Baghdad urges foreign governments to repatriate and try their own citizens.

Full statement:

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani received, today, Friday, a phone call from the President of the French Republic, Mr. Emmanuel Macron, during which bilateral relations and developments in the region were discussed.

The phone call reviewed the latest developments in Syria, as well as the temporary transfer of a number of foreign nationals affiliated with the ISIS terrorist organization, who are detained in prisons run by the Syrian Democratic Forces, to Iraqi prisons. In this regard, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of countries around the world, particularly European Union member states, assuming their responsibilities by receiving those individuals who hold their nationalities, ensuring their prosecution, and ensuring that they receive fair punishment.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani expressed his appreciation for France’s role in the Global Coalition Against Daesh, affirming the continuation of bilateral cooperation in security and defense, as well as in developing the combat capabilities of Iraq’s armed forces.

For his part, the French President congratulated Iraq on the successful conduct of the parliamentary elections, expressed his appreciation for Iraq’s positions at the international level, and praised the role of Prime Minister Al-Sudani’s government in managing regional crises. He noted that Iraq’s steps constitute a factor of stability for the region and support sustainable solutions, while affirming France’s commitment to providing technical and financial support to address the situation of detained ISIS elements.

Media Office of the Prime Minister

January 23, 2026