US completes transfer of nearly 6,000 ISIS terrorists from Syria to Iraq

The ODNI's National Counterterrorism Center helped oversee the transfer of over 5,700 prisoners, which was led by the United States Central Command, and provided critical intelligence support and coordination of the mission.

Published: February 19, 2026 5:06pm

The United States has successfully completed the transfer of nearly 6,000 Islamic State prisoners from Syria to Iraq, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence confirmed Wednesday night.

The Iraqi government agreed to accept roughly 7,000 ISIS terrorists amid concern that the inmates could escape from detention as the Syrian government attempts to take control of the area from Kurdish-led forces. 

The ODNI's National Counterterrorism Center helped oversee the transfer of over 5,700 prisoners, which was led by the United States Central Command, and provided critical intelligence support and coordination of the mission. 

The NCTC hailed the operation as a "major accomplishment in America's fight against ISIS," and comes after NCTC Director Joe Kent led delegations to Baghdad and Syria to meet with the countries' counterterrorism leaders to help coordinate the transfers. 

"Nearly 6,000 of the most dangerous ISIS detainees have been transferred out of Syria and secured in Iraq," Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said. "ODNI's National Counterterrorism Center worked around the clock with the Departments of War and State to ensure the progress made by President Trump to dismantle ISIS persists, removing thousands of ISIS prisoners from Syria, with the ultimate goal of preventing the rapid reconstruction of ISIS. 

"Under President Trump's direction, NCTC will remain vigilant to protect the American people at home and abroad," she added.

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