The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has begun transferring ISIS detainees from northeastern Syria to Iraq. The operation follows recent unrest and prisoner escapes in Syria amid clashes between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and government troops. 

In a press release, CENTCOM said U.S. forces successfully moved 150 ISIS fighters from a detention facility in Hasakah, Syria, to a secure location in Iraq. The command said it made the move “to help ensure the terrorists remain in secure detention facilities.” 

Up to 7,000 fighters could eventually be moved to Iraqi-run facilities under the plan.

“We are closely coordinating with regional partners, including the Iraqi government, and we sincerely appreciate their role in ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. “Facilitating the orderly and secure transfer of ISIS detainees is critical to preventing a breakout that would pose a direct threat to the United States and regional security.”

On Tuesday, dozens of ISIS inmates escaped a prison in Shaddadi, northeastern Syria, after the SDF lost control of the facility in an attack it said was carried out by “factions affiliated with Damascus.” Forces aligned with the Syrian government denied any involvement in the incident.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday the escaped prisoners were recaptured through cooperation between U.S. and Syrian government forces.

“Working with the government of Syria and the new leader of Syria, they captured all the prisoners, put them back to jail,” he told the New York Post, describing the detainees as among the most dangerous globally.

“We did a good job with Syria … European prisoners were breaking and I got it stopped,” said Trump.

Before Trump’s announcement, the Syrian Interior Ministry said that 81 of the 120 escapees had been recaptured.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa announced Sunday a ceasefire and an agreement for full integration of the SDF into state institutions.