The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has officially announced the conclusion of operations to transfer ISIS elements and their affiliated families from northeastern Syria into Iraqi territory.

According to official reports, the relocation process primarily involved individuals previously detained at the Al-Hol refugee camp in Syria. This facility has long been described by international observers as a “ticking time bomb” due to the high concentration of ISIS supporters and the risk of radicalization among its displaced population.

General Michael Erik Kurilla, Commander of CENTCOM, emphasized that the operation was conducted in coordination with Iraqi authorities. The move is framed as part of a broader strategy to repatriate foreign fighters and their families to their countries of origin to ensure long-term stability and prevent the resurgence of the terrorist organization in the Levant.

The transfer has sparked renewed discussions regarding Iraq’s capacity to manage the reintegration and prosecution of these individuals. Iraqi security officials have confirmed that the arrivals are being processed through designated security screenings to identify those with direct involvement in terrorist activities.

While the U.S. maintains that repatriation is the most viable solution to emptying the overcrowded camps in Syria, regional analysts warn that the influx of thousands of individuals with ties to the extremist group could pose significant internal security challenges for Baghdad.

The Al-Hol camp still holds thousands of residents from various nationalities, and this latest transfer marks a critical step in the international effort to dismantle the remnants of the ISIS “caliphate” infrastructure.