The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Friday, Feb. 13, that it had completed a 23-day mission transferring over 5,700 ISIS fighters from Syria to Iraq. The operation, which began Jan. 21, aimed to bolster regional security and prevent the group’s resurgence.
In a statement, CENTCOM said the transfer involved extensive coordination on the ground and in the air. Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, thanked Iraqi leadership for its cooperation.
“Iraq’s leadership and its understanding of the importance of transferring ISIS elements to enhance regional security” were critical to the effort, Cooper said. He added that the Joint Forces team carried out “this exceptionally difficult mission on the ground and in the air with great focus, professionalism, and cooperation with our regional partners.”
Maj. Gen. Kevin Lambert, commander of the Combined Joint Task Force for Operation Inherent Resolve, said the operation would help stabilize the region. “I am extremely proud of the extraordinary work done by the coalition,” Lambert said, adding that the organized and secure transfer “will help prevent the re-emergence of ISIS in Syria.”
Orderly Exit From Strategic Tanf Base
The transfer coincided with the US military’s withdrawal from the Tanf base in southeastern Syria, located near the Syrian-Jordanian-Iraqi border triangle. CENTCOM announced Thursday that the withdrawal was completed Feb. 11 as part of what it described as a deliberate and situation-based transition under the supervision of the Combined Joint Task Force.
In a statement posted to its X platform, CENTCOM said the move represented “a deliberate repositioning of US forces in the region.” Cooper emphasized that US forces remain prepared to respond to threats from ISIS and will continue supporting regional partners.
CENTCOM also reported that during the past two months, US operations targeted over 100 sites, employing over 350 precision-guided munitions. Those actions resulted in the capture or killing of more than 50 ISIS members, according to the command.
Syrian Forces Assume Control
Following the withdrawal, Syria’s Ministry of Defense said its military units took control of the Tanf base in coordination with the US. In a statement published on its Telegram channel, the ministry said forces began securing the base and deploying along the border, with border guard units expected to assume duties in the coming days.
The Syrian Defense Ministry’s 54th Division has deployed inside the base following the departure of US forces withdrew to bases in Jordan. Syrian Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra discussed the handover with Lambert during a telephone call Feb. 12, according to the ministry. Both sides emphasized continued coordination to preserve security and stability in the region.
Military researcher Rashid Hourani told the New Arab that Washington viewed the Syrian army’s takeover of areas previously held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as a “test” conducted with professionalism and without violations.
He said that assessment influenced the US decision to withdraw from certain bases. The developments mark a significant shift in the US military footprint in Syria while maintaining a stated focus on countering ISIS threats in coordination with regional partners.
