The Iraqi embassy in Moscow confirmed that Russia will repatriate its citizens held in Iraqi prisons for joining ISIS. The announcement followed a meeting between Iraqi Ambassador Abdul Karim Hashim Mustafa and Russian Deputy Interior Minister Igor Zubov. Iraq embassy in Moscow officials said Russia will accept its citizens after verifying their nationality.
During the meeting, Zubov pledged to cooperate with Baghdad on the transfer of detainees. Furthermore, he emphasized that the countries will coordinate directly to ensure smooth repatriation.
Iraq has pressed other governments to repatriate citizens recently moved to Baghdad after detention in Syrian facilities. Iraq currently holds 5,700 ISIS members from over 67 countries, including only 460 Iraqi nationals. Iraqi embassy in Moscow officials confirmed they formally requested Russia to take back its citizens.
Moreover, international pressure has mounted on foreign governments to accept detainees and their families. Human rights groups, the United Nations, and the Council of Europe stressed that countries must follow international law. Governments must reintegrate family members and prosecute suspected terrorists.
Attacks by the Syrian army and allied groups on the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in January caused prison breaks. As a result, the U.S. military coordinated detainee transfers to Iraq earlier this month.
In addition, the SDF announced the closure of Al-Hol camp, which previously held about 24,000 family members of ISIS fighters. The camp included roughly 6,000 foreign nationals from 40 countries. More than 90 percent of residents were women and children. Officials relocated them to Aleppo and other undisclosed locations.
The diplomatic talks also signaled warming relations between Baghdad and Moscow. Zubov promised to establish direct communication channels with the Iraqi embassy in Moscow. He also committed to easing visa procedures for Iraqi travelers and businesspeople, boosting trade and tourism. Russia will also resolve visa renewal issues faced by Iraqi students studying at Russian universities.
Overall, the agreement marks a major step in international cooperation on ISIS detainees. Iraq embassy in Moscow officials described the meeting as constructive, emphasizing future collaboration and stronger bilateral ties.
