Ankara and Baghdad Reach Understanding on Repatriation of Turkish ISIS Detainees

By Bosphorus News Staff

Türkiye and Iraq have reached an advanced stage of coordination on the return of Turkish nationals held in Iraqi prisons on ISIS-related charges, according to statements from both sides.

According to reports Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said Baghdad has been in contact with Ankara regarding foreign detainees and reiterated that Iraq cannot be expected to indefinitely shoulder responsibility for non-Iraqi nationals linked to ISIS.

The issue was raised during diplomatic engagements in Baghdad as Iraq renewed calls for countries to assume legal responsibility for their own citizens detained on terrorism charges.

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Baghdad, Anıl Bora İnan, confirmed that discussions between the two governments had progressed substantially.

“There is an advanced level of mutual understanding with Baghdad on the return of Turkish ISIS prisoners and associated children who are Turkish citizens,” İnan said in remarks reported by regional media.

Iraqi officials indicate that more than 180 Turkish nationals are currently held in Iraqi custody on ISIS-related charges. A technical-level meeting is expected to define the legal and logistical framework for transfers, though no timeline has been publicly announced.

The detainee file has gained urgency following shifts in detention arrangements in northeast Syria and the subsequent transfer of foreign ISIS suspects to Iraqi jurisdiction. Baghdad has intensified diplomatic outreach to European and regional governments, arguing that long-term custody of foreign nationals is neither legally sustainable nor politically viable for Iraq alone.

Ankara has consistently maintained that each state bears responsibility for its own citizens in cases involving foreign terrorist fighters, while emphasizing adherence to due process and domestic legal procedures.

No formal transfer date has been confirmed.