The top US general for the Middle East spoke to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Wednesday to discuss the importance of Damascus adhering to the ceasefire with the Syrian Democratic Forces, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
The two leaders discussed the importance of Syrian government forces adhering to a ceasefire with the Syrian Democratic Forces and supporting the coordinated transfer of ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraq,” CENTCOM Spokesman Capt. Tim Hawkins said.
Adm. Brad Cooper also briefed al-Sharaa on CENTCOM’s plan to transfer up to 7,000 ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraq. Cooper “expressed expectations for Syrian forces as well as all other forces to avoid any actions that could interfere,” according to Hawkins.
The two also reaffirmed their continued strong commitment to the enduring defeat of ISIS in Syria. “Preventing an ISIS resurgence in Syria makes America, the region, and the world safer,” Hawkins added.
Earlier in the day, CENTCOM announced the launch of a new mission to transfer ISIS detainees from northeastern Syria to Iraqi-controlled facilities.
The mission follows intense armed clashes between Syrian government forces and the US-backed SDF, which had been a key US ally in the fight against ISIS for the past decade.
At least 150 ISIS militants have been transferred from Hasakah already, CENTCOM said.
Baghdad, meanwhile, confirmed the beginning of this mission, adding that preparations were underway to ensure the proper detention of high-level ISIS militants.
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