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More than 5,700 suspected Islamic State (ISIS) detainees have been transferred from prisons in northeastern Syria to facilities in Iraq, the U.S. Military confirmed on February 13, 2026. The 23-day operation, which began on January 21, was prompted by security concerns following a mass escape from a Syrian detention facility in late January, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

The transfers, completed on February 12, involved adult male ISIS fighters, and were carried out under Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led military effort against ISIS remnants in the region. CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper stated that Iraq’s leadership recognized the transfer as “essential to regional security.” The U.S. Is covering the costs of detaining and processing trials for the transferred detainees, according to reports.

However, the mass transfer has drawn immediate criticism from human rights organizations, who warn of potential abuses within Iraq’s justice system. Human Rights Watch (HRW) expressed concern that the detainees face risks of enforced disappearance, unfair trials, torture, and violations of the right to life. “Regardless of their affiliation or alleged actions, these detainees have been held for years without due process, and they are now held in another country without proper safeguards,” said Sarah Sanbar, Iraq researcher at HRW.

HRW highlighted Iraq’s history of due process violations in counterterrorism proceedings, including the routine use of torture-tainted confessions and reliance on secret informants. The organization noted that Iraq lacks a law criminalizing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, instead prosecuting ISIS fighters under the 2005 Anti-Terrorism Law, which carries the death penalty for affiliation with a terrorist group. As of February 2026, Iraq has approximately 30 prisons holding 67,000 inmates, including 1,600 foreign nationals, though these figures do not include facilities in the Kurdistan Region or those operated by security forces and armed groups.

The transfers come amid a Syrian government military offensive to regain control of northeast Syria from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), who previously held the detainees. Iraqi officials have stated that the transferred detainees, who hold citizenship from 42 countries, will be prosecuted under Iraqi law and will not be extradited until investigations are complete. On February 10, Iraq executed six people, its first mass execution since a General Amnesty Law was passed in January 2025.

Ian Moss, a former U.S. State Department official responsible for ISIS detainees, characterized the transfer as “an expedient attempt to wash one’s hands of the situation,” rather than a thoughtful approach to justice and accountability. The U.S. Military declined to comment on whether detainees were provided access to legal counsel or judicial review prior to their transfer.

The U.S. Announcement did not address the situation of over 28,000 people, allegedly relatives of ISIS members, who remain detained in camps in northeast Syria, including al-Hol and Roj, facing life-threatening conditions. Approximately 12,500 of those detained are foreign nationals from more than 60 countries.

Iraqi government spokesperson Basem al-Awadi stated on January 29, 2026, that the transfer was a “preemptive step to defend Iraqi national security” given the risk of further prison breaks. The Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq has indicated that some of the transferred detainees are accused of genocide and the use of chemical weapons, and investigations are underway in Nasiriyah and Karkh prisons.

Beijing – In a stunning display of technological prowess, Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics captivated audiences during the 2026 Spring Festival Gala with a groundbreaking performance featuring eerily lifelike humanoid robots executing complex martial arts maneuvers. The demonstration, broadcast to hundreds of millions of viewers, marks a significant leap forward in the development of embodied AI and highlights China’s growing ambition in the robotics sector. The performance included what Unitree representatives claim are several world firsts in robotic movement, signaling a potential shift in how these machines are perceived – from industrial tools to increasingly sophisticated companions and performers.

The robots, models G1 and H2, performed a synchronized martial arts routine, wielding swords, poles, and nunchucks with precision alongside human performers. This wasn’t simply a demonstration of mobility; Unitree showcased advancements in multi-robot coordination, balance, and the ability to recover from falls, pushing the boundaries of what’s currently possible with humanoid robotics. The gala appearance follows a year of intense competition for Unitree to maintain its position as a global leader in robot shipments, fending off rivals like Shanghai-based AgiBot, according to company statements.

Unitree representatives detailed several technical achievements during the performance, including the first continuous freestyle table-vaulting parkour, a launched aerial flip reaching a maximum height of approximately 10 feet (3 meters), and a two-step wall-assisted backflip. These feats were enabled by upgrades to the robots’ motors, optimized limb robustness, and the integration of newly developed dextrous hands capable of rapidly switching between grips and handling props. The performance relied on AI algorithms and 3D LiDAR technology to achieve these complex movements, demonstrating a leap from basic mobility to intricate, culturally rich physical artistry, according to a press release from Unitree Robotics.

The 2026 Spring Festival Gala, China’s most-watched television event, has grow a key platform for showcasing the nation’s technological advancements. This year’s broadcast, viewed by hundreds of millions, featured humanoids from Unitree Robotics, Galbot, Noetix, and MagicLab, signaling a concerted effort by Beijing to integrate these machines into public consciousness, as reported by Humanoids Daily. Even as robots have appeared in previous galas, they were largely relegated to background roles. This year, they were central to the entertainment, performing alongside human actors in martial arts, comedy, and dance routines.

Beyond the spectacle, Unitree highlighted the potential real-world applications of the technology. The company emphasized that the cluster control platform used to coordinate the robots could be instrumental in enabling multiple robots to work together in various environments without human intervention. Noetix Robotics also showcased its “Bumi” humanoid, priced under $1,400 (9,998 yuan), positioning it as an accessible option for education and home use, according to Xinhua News. The Bumi was featured in a comedy sketch alongside human actors, emphasizing its role as a family companion.

The advancements showcased by Unitree and other Chinese robotics firms come amid a broader push by Beijing to become a global leader in artificial intelligence and robotics. The performance at the Spring Festival Gala is not merely entertainment; it’s a statement of intent, demonstrating China’s commitment to innovation and its ambition to shape the future of robotics. The improvements over the 2025 gala performance, where robots appeared “stiff and clumsy,” underscore the rapid pace of development in the field.

Looking ahead, the success of this demonstration is likely to fuel further investment and development in humanoid robotics, both in China and internationally. The focus will likely shift towards refining the AI algorithms that control these robots, improving their dexterity and adaptability, and exploring new applications beyond entertainment. The question now is not if humanoid robots will become integrated into our daily lives, but when and to what extent.

What are your thoughts on the future of humanoid robots? Share your comments below and let us know what applications you envision for this rapidly evolving technology.

The world is mourning the loss of Reverend Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in the American civil rights movement, who died on Monday at the age of 84. Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, recognizing Jackson’s decades-long commitment to social justice and his profound impact on American politics. His death marks the conclude of an era and prompts reflection on his legacy of fighting for equality and opportunity for all.

Jackson’s influence extended far beyond the civil rights arena. He was a two-time presidential candidate, in 1984 and 1988, and laid the groundwork for future generations of African American politicians, including Barack Obama. His campaigns, while ultimately unsuccessful in securing the nomination, mobilized millions and brought issues of racial and economic justice to the forefront of national debate. The focus on civil rights and economic empowerment that defined his career continues to resonate today.

President Joe Biden remembered Jackson as “a man of God and of the people,” stating he was “determined and tenacious” in his pursuit of a more just nation. Biden added, in a social media post, that Jackson helped lead the nation “through tumult and triumph” with optimism and a commitment to what is right. He emphasized Jackson’s belief in the promise of America – that all are created equal – and his dedication to ensuring that promise was never abandoned.

Barack Obama echoed these sentiments, calling Jackson “a true giant” and noting that he had directly inspired both him and his wife, Michelle. Obama recalled that Michelle Obama received her first experience with political organizing at the Jackson’s kitchen table as a teenager. He also highlighted Jackson’s role in paving the way for his own presidential campaign, stating Jackson “laid the foundation for my own campaign to the highest office of the land.”

In a surprising turn, former President Donald Trump also paid tribute to Jackson, describing him as “a force of nature like few others before him.” The New York Post reported that Trump’s statement included a pointed remark directed at Obama, though the specifics were not detailed. This acknowledgment from Trump underscores the broad reach of Jackson’s influence, transcending partisan divides.

Civil rights leaders also shared their reflections. Reverend Al Sharpton described Jackson as his mentor and “a movement unto himself,” while Bernice King, the daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., posted a photograph of Jackson alongside her father, stating, “Both now ancestors.” These tributes highlight Jackson’s central role in the ongoing struggle for civil rights and his mentorship of subsequent generations of activists.

Jackson’s activism wasn’t limited to domestic issues. He engaged in several high-profile international mediation efforts, acting as an unofficial envoy for humanitarian causes and using personal diplomacy to secure the release of hostages and prisoners of war. This demonstrated his commitment to justice and human rights on a global scale.

The Reverend Jesse Jackson’s career spanned decades, marked by a relentless pursuit of equality and a powerful voice for the marginalized. He leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire and challenge, reminding us of the ongoing operate required to fulfill the promise of a more just and equitable society. His impact on American politics and the civil rights movement will be felt for generations to arrive.

As the nation reflects on Jackson’s life and contributions, attention now turns to how his legacy will shape future movements for social justice and political change. The coming weeks will likely notice further tributes and discussions about his enduring influence, and the ongoing efforts to address the issues he championed.

Share your thoughts and memories of Reverend Jesse Jackson in the comments below.