Iraq detainees face execution risks and health crises

Human Rights Watch has reported that approximately 5,700 men and boys held as alleged Islamic State (ISIS) members are facing imminent risks of abuse, including unfair trials and execution under Iraq’s 2005 anti-terrorism law. The group includes over 440 children and roughly 1,000 young men who were captured as minors.

The detainees were transferred by the U.S. military from northeast Syria to Al-Karkh prison in Baghdad between January and February 2026 following the collapse of SDF guard posts. The transfer was described as chaotic and lacking proper documentation. Currently, the prison is operating at 158% capacity, and approximately 1,100 adults are suffering from serious illnesses such as tuberculosis, with 15 deaths already recorded.

The population consists of about 3,500 individuals from Syria, 2,200 from Iraq, and nationals from 65 other countries. While Iraq has requested $250 million to manage the situation, most involved nations have been slow to repatriate their citizens or provide financial support. Human Rights Watch warned against the forced return of detainees to countries where they face risks of torture or enforced disappearance, such as Russia, Egypt, and China.