Iraq's Shiite paramilitary force Hashd al-Shaabi has deployed its 74th Brigade from the Nineveh Operations Command to the Sinjar border in response to increased militant activity in neighboring Syria. The deployment comes as concerns mount over ISIS resurgence following the collapse of detention facilities holding thousands of jihadists across the border.
According to Artı Gerçek, Hashd al-Shaabi officials stated the deployment aims to protect civilians and maintain security in the strategic border region. Sinjar, which suffered devastating ISIS attacks in 2014 that killed thousands, remains vulnerable due to its location along the Syria-Iraq frontier.
The security concerns have intensified following attacks by Damascus-aligned groups on northeastern Syria, during which thousands of ISIS detainees were reportedly released from prisons. Iraq's Defense Ministry has responded by deploying additional forces along the Syria-Iraq border to counter potential infiltration threats.
Prisoner Transfers Begin
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it has begun transferring ISIS detainees from northeastern Syria to Iraq. On January 12, American forces moved 150 ISIS prisoners from a detention facility in Hasaka to a secure location in Iraq. CENTCOM indicated that approximately 7,000 ISIS detainees will ultimately be transferred from Syria to Iraqi custody.
Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM Commander, emphasized close coordination with the Iraqi government and regional partners throughout the transfer process. Officials stressed the importance of secure detention to prevent potential escapes as instability continues in Syria.
CENTCOM reported that US and partner forces detained over 300 ISIS members in Syria during 2025, while killing more than 20 organization members in the same period.
Parliamentary Response
Iraq's Deputy Parliament Speaker Adnan Fethan al-Dulaimi announced that parliament will convene next week, with Defense Minister Sabit Abbas and Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari attending. The session will address border security concerns as Damascus-aligned forces continue attacks on northeastern Syria.
The situation has become more critical following the Syrian Democratic Forces' (SDF) withdrawal from the Al-Hol camp, citing the international coalition's failure to fulfill its responsibilities. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights warned that the timing of this withdrawal during such a sensitive period could enable ISIS cells and families to return, similar to previous incidents at Shadadi Prison.
The observatory cautioned that releasing ISIS prisoners and families from detention facilities poses a significant regional and national security threat, potentially leading to escalated ISIS activities across the region.
Photo: Artı Gerçek