Sudani, UN official discuss post-UNAMI cooperation and ISIS detainee transfers

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met Sunday with United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support Atul Khare in Baghdad, where they discussed ongoing cooperation between Iraq and UN agencies, the future of the UN mission in Iraq, and the international response to terrorism.

Al-Sudani expressed Iraq’s appreciation for the role of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, praising its support “to the Iraqi people in confronting the most pressing challenges they have faced.” He reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to working with UN humanitarian and development programs and completing all matters related to the mission.

UNAMI was established in 2003 under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1500 and had its mandate expanded in 2007 under Resolution 1770. UNAMI employed 648 personnel at its peak in Iraq, about half of them Iraqi.

In May 2024, al-Sudani asked U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to conclude the mission by December 2025, citing what he described as Iraq’s progress toward stability. The Security Council adopted Resolution 2732 on May 31, 2024, extending UNAMI’s mandate for a final 19-month period. UNAMI ceased operations on Dec. 31, 2025, except for remaining liquidation activities.

Addressing security concerns, Al-Sudani said “the temporary transfer” of Islamic State detainees to Iraqi facilities was aimed at protecting both national and regional security. “Iraq has demonstrated its responsibility and its ability to provide effective measures that prevent the resurgence of terrorism,” he said. He also urged countries with citizens affiliated with ISIS to repatriate them and subject them to legal proceedings.

Since early this month, Syrian government forces and allied Islamist armed groups have launched a coordinated offensive against Kurdish-held areas in northeastern Syria, including Rojava, triggering renewed instability and humanitarian concerns. The campaign has focused on key towns and border regions, leading to clashes with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces and the displacement of tens of thousands of civilians.

The fighting has intensified international concern over detention facilities and camps holding thousands of Islamic State detainees and their families. Clashes near several sites have led to reported escapes, raising fears that deteriorating security conditions could allow ISIS to regroup. U.S. Central Command has begun transferring detainees to Iraq, starting with 150 individuals, with plans to relocate up to 7,000.