Iraq on Friday called on European nations to repatriate their citizens linked to ISIS and ensure their prosecution.
The appeal came during a call between Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and French President Emmanuel Macron, officials confirmed.
Al-Sudani highlighted the shared international responsibility in addressing ISIS remnants and stressed the importance of fair prosecution for foreign fighters.
He urged EU countries, in particular, to accept their nationals, guarantee legal accountability, and ensure punishment aligns with justice standards.
The leaders also discussed bilateral relations and regional developments, including the temporary transfer of ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraq.
The individuals were moved from detention facilities run by the YPG/SDF group to Iraqi-controlled prisons for enhanced security and management.
Macron praised Iraq’s efforts in managing regional crises and emphasised France’s support for sustainable security solutions across the region.
He reaffirmed France’s commitment to providing technical and financial assistance to help Iraq handle detained ISIS members effectively.
Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council announced plans to pursue legal action against ISIS detainees transferred from Syria, ensuring justice is served.
The move follows a US Central Command (CENTCOM) operation that began Tuesday, transferring fighters from northeastern Syria to secure Iraqi locations.
The mission initially moved 150 ISIS fighters from Hasakah province, with a broader plan to relocate up to 7,000 detainees in total.
Officials said the transfers aim to prevent escapes, maintain secure detention, and support Iraq’s broader counterterrorism and stability efforts.
Al-Sudani and Macron’s conversation reflected ongoing coordination between Baghdad and European allies to address lingering ISIS threats.
The call highlighted Iraq’s central role in regional security and the need for international cooperation to confront terrorism collectively.