Iraq Bolsters Border Defenses While Addressing Regional Terror Threat with Mass Detainee Transfers
Baghdad is implementing a robust, multi-faceted security strategy, significantly fortifying its borders with Syria while simultaneously undertaking the politically sensitive and complex task of repatriating and processing thousands of individuals accused of terrorist activities. This dual approach aims to enhance national security and mitigate persistent regional threats.
Fortifying the Iraqi-Syrian Frontier
Iraqi authorities have announced the near completion of a formidable concrete barrier along the country’s border with Syria, reaching 80% construction. This new barrier, equipped with advanced thermal cameras, represents the third layer of security, complementing existing barbed wire fences and trenches. Sabah al-Nu’man, spokesman for the Iraqi Armed Forces Command, affirmed that Iraq’s borders with Syria are now “fully secure,” with the barrier playing a crucial role in preventing illegal infiltration and bolstering national defense against external threats.
Strategic Repatriation: The Al-Hol Detainee Challenge
In a move described by al-Nu’man as “courageous and important,” the Iraqi government has committed to accepting the transfer of detainees from the sprawling Al-Hol camp in northeast Syria. These individuals include Iraqi nationals and foreign citizens sought on terrorism charges. Upon transfer, they will be housed in fortified prisons across Iraq under a joint program coordinated by the Joint Operations Command and the Ministry of Justice, ensuring secure detention and adherence to legal protocols.
International Cooperation and Burden-Sharing
The United States has commenced the transfer of ISIS-affiliated detainees from prisons in northeast Syria to Iraq, with the first group comprising 150 individuals from Hasakah. This operation is a collaborative effort between the Iraqi government and the International Coalition. US Central Command (CENTCOM) projects that up to 7,000 detainees will be transferred in the coming days, to be held in secure Iraqi facilities such as Susa, Nasiriyah, and Karkh prisons. These transfers are being executed gradually with special security measures, driven by concerns over potential mass escapes following the withdrawal of Syrian Democratic Forces from certain Hasakah prisons.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has emphasized that Iraq should not bear the security and financial burden associated with this complex issue alone, underscoring the necessity of sharing this responsibility with relevant international partners.
Securing Iraq’s Future
The Iraqi National Security Ministers Council has officially approved the acceptance of these detainees as a proactive measure to safeguard national security. Judicial proceedings, in strict accordance with Iraqi criminal law, will commence for all transferred individuals. By simultaneously strengthening its border defenses and strategically managing the legal and judicial processes for ISIS detainees, Iraq is proactively working to prevent potential threats stemming from the escape or infiltration of terrorist groups, thereby ensuring internal stability and contributing to broader regional security efforts.
