ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack on Monday met with several top Iraqi officials, discussing the latest regional developments, particularly the stability of Syria, and the transfer of Islamic State (ISIS) detainees from Syria to Iraq.

On his second day in Iraq, Barrack held a series of high-profile meetings, kicking off the day with a sit-down with Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein.

During the meeting, Barrack extended Washington’s “appreciation for the important step taken by the Iraqi government in transferring ISIS members from detention centers abroad to Iraqi prisons,” according to a statement by the Iraqi foreign ministry.

Iraq took in more than 5,700 ISIS prisoners from Syria after the turmoil caused by a January Syrian government offensive in Rojava raised fears that detention centers, previously operated by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), would be unable to maintain security amid the conflict.

Barrack and Hussein also discussed the late January integration agreement between the Damascus and the SDF, with both sides affirming “their support for the agreement and the necessity of adhering to its implementation, given its direct impact on strengthening security and stability in Syria.”

In a post on X, Barrack wrote: “Grateful for the continued alignment of interest and leadership from the Foreign Minister.”

The US envoy also held discussions with Sunni strongman and leader of the Taqadum Party Mohammed al-Halbousi, where “the latest developments in the region, the most significant steps in Syria, and the importance of cooperation between the two countries on security matters and the issue of prisoners” were discussed. “Support for the stability of Syria was emphasized,” according to a statement by the party.

Barrack also met with the President of Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council Faiq Zidan, with the pair discussing the transfer of ISIS members from Syria to Iraq, according to the Iraqi judiciary.

The judiciary said last week that it had completed the initial interrogations of over 500 ISIS prisoners.

The US diplomat arrived in Baghdad on Sunday, meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani. The two exchanged views on “preventing regional escalations and the importance of resorting to dialogue and diplomatic channels to resolve conflicts.”

Barrack’s visit comes less than a month after US Special Envoy for Iraq Mark Savaya was reportedly relieved of his duties, with reports suggesting that Barrack was set to lead Washington’s diplomatic efforts in Iraq. There has been no confirmation on his appointment as of the writing of this article.