Damascus: Syria and Iraq agreed Thursday to form committees to examine cases of ISIS (Daesh) terrorists transferred from Syrian detention facilities to Iraqi prisons, as announced by Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar Abdul Rahman al-Wais. This decision was made during discussions with Faiq Zidan, the head of Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council, and his delegation during their visit to Syria.
According to Anadolu Agency, the meeting addressed the issue of ISIS detainees and the formation of technical and expert teams to analyze the situation and seek mutually acceptable solutions. Al-Wais highlighted the anticipation of committee results, emphasizing promising steps towards achieving justice. He also stressed the importance of coordination between Syria and Iraq in combating terrorism, organized crime, and drug trafficking, given their shared border and the threats posed by terrorism.
Zidan, upon his arrival in Damascus for discussions on ISIS terrorists, expressed the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council's willingness to assist Syria in judicial matters. He affirmed Iraq's support for Syria's state rebuilding efforts across various sectors and reiterated the council's readiness to provide any necessary judicial assistance.
Al-Wais remarked on the development of relations between Iraq and Syria, especially in economic and security domains, and expressed a desire for enhanced judicial and legal cooperation between Baghdad and Damascus. He noted Syria's transition into a new phase focused on establishing a state governed by law and institutions.
On January 21, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) disclosed the transfer of 150 ISIS terrorists from a detention facility in Syria's northeastern Hasakah province to Iraq. This move is part of a larger plan to relocate 7,000 detainees. Despite Iraq declaring victory over ISIS on December 10, 2017, after reclaiming all territories occupied by the terrorist group, ISIS still operates in Iraq's northern, western, and eastern provinces, conducting sporadic attacks. Iraqi forces continue their security and military operations against remaining ISIS cells.