Baghdad: Iraq has transferred more than 4,500 ISIS (Daesh) members from Syria to Iraqi prisons, in coordination with the US-led coalition against the terror group, an Iraqi military spokesman announced.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Iraqi military spokesman, Sabah al-Numan, stated that the decision to transfer ISIS members was made to prevent these terrorists from escaping from Syrian prisons and to avert potential threats to security. The government's decision was strategic, with accurate calculations and calculated procedures to ensure a seamless transfer process.

He further explained that the transfer was conducted in close coordination between Iraqi authorities and the anti-ISIS international coalition. The spokesman also emphasized that the prisons housing these individuals are securely closed and fully under the control of the Iraqi Ministry of Justice. No breaches or cases of indiscipline have been recorded in these facilities.

The Iraqi government has consistently called on foreign governments to repatriate their nationals among the detained ISIS members. There is hope that more countries will take action to retrieve their citizens to help resolve the ongoing risk to stability in Iraq and Syria, especially as families of ISIS members remain in Syria.

In late 2017, Iraq declared victory over ISIS after three years of intense combat. However, the terror group remains active in northern, western, and eastern provinces, conducting occasional attacks. The Iraqi government continues to implement security and military operations to eliminate the remnants of ISIS.