The United States military is set to complete the transfer of up to 7,000 Islamic State detainees from prisons in northeast Syria to Iraq within days, according to officials. The move follows the collapse of Kurdish-led forces in the region and concerns over prison security after a recent breakout. Transfers have prioritized the most dangerous fighters, who hail from a range of countries, with Iraqis forming the largest group. Iraqi authorities have agreed to temporarily hold non-Iraqi detainees, while the United States urges other nations to repatriate their citizens.

This shift comes amid major changes in Syria, where President Ahmed al-Sharaa's forces have taken control from Bashar al-Assad and reclaimed territory previously held by Kurdish groups. The United States, which had supported the Syrian Democratic Forces since 2015, is now reassessing its presence in the region as the original purpose of its involvement wanes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Iraq for its cooperation, and diplomatic ties between the United States and Syria have strengthened following Assad's ouster.