The Global Story: Is ISIS having a resurgence in Syria? - Global News Podcast Recap

Podcast: Global News Podcast

Published: 2026-02-08

Duration: 28 minutes

Guests: Josh Baker

Summary

The U.S. military is transferring up to 7,000 Islamic State detainees from Syria to Iraq to prevent potential breakouts and regrouping. This move is part of a broader strategy following large-scale strikes against ISIS in Syria.

What Happened

The U.S. military is actively engaging in Syria with a series of airstrikes targeting ISIS to curb their resurgence. Over 50 targets were hit in a short span, marking a significant effort in dismantling remaining ISIS structures.

The transfer of up to 7,000 ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraq is underway, a precautionary measure to prevent prisoners from escaping and regrouping. This action follows recent U.S.-led strikes and reflects the ongoing instability in Syria.

ISIS once controlled an area comparable to the size of England, with a population of around 10 million under its governance. However, by 2019, their so-called state was reduced to less than a square kilometer in Bagooz, leading to the emergence of tens of thousands from the ashes.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces played a crucial role in defeating ISIS, having controlled a significant portion of northeastern Syria. However, the recent clashes with the Syrian government have led to a deal integrating Kurdish forces into the state structure and transferring prison control to Damascus.

Josh Baker, an investigative journalist, discusses the complexities of dealing with ISIS affiliates, highlighting the lack of a universal global policy. Camps holding families of ISIS fighters are insecure, with frequent prison breaks and smuggling incidents.

Al-Hol camp, one of the largest, is dominated by pro-ISIS supporters and houses tens of thousands from 52 nations. The U.S. has been proactive in repatriating some of its citizens, urging other nations to do the same under President Trump's administration.

The risk of ISIS regrouping is compounded by movements in other regions like Africa and Afghanistan, where they continue to be a threat. The fall of President Assad in December 2024 has also created more avenues for ISIS to operate freely within Syria.

Key Insights

• The U.S. military conducted over 50 airstrikes in Syria targeting ISIS structures to prevent their resurgence, marking a significant military effort in the region.
• Up to 7,000 ISIS detainees are being transferred from Syria to Iraq to prevent potential escapes and regrouping amidst ongoing instability.
• At its peak, ISIS controlled territory comparable to the size of England, governing around 10 million people, but was reduced to less than a square kilometer by 2019.
• Al-Hol camp in Syria houses tens of thousands of people from 52 nations, with a significant presence of pro-ISIS supporters, creating security challenges and frequent prison breaks.