The Internal Security Forces (Asayish) of the Autonomous Administration in northeastern Syria have launched a new security campaign in al-Hol camp to prevent the Islamic State (ISIS) from “exploiting the most vulnerable groups and spreading extremist ideology in the camp,” according to their statement.
In a statement released today, Friday, September 5, Asayish announced the start of a new phase of “Operation Humanity and Security,” aimed at “protecting camp residents and ensuring the safe continuation of humanitarian organizations’ work inside it.”
According to the statement, the camp, located east of al-Hasakah, has recently witnessed an escalation of ISIS cell attacks, with 30 incidents targeting humanitarian workers and damaging service facilities and infrastructure.
According to Amnesty International estimates from May 2025, al-Hol camp houses 46,500 people, including Syrians, Iraqis, and other foreign detainees.
The campaign, Asayish stated, seeks to dismantle “terrorist networks,” pursue elements attempting to reassert influence, and protect humanitarian organizations and their staff.
Asayish data indicated that ISIS continues to exploit the most vulnerable groups inside the camp, spreading extremist ideology among teenagers and children with the help of women linked to the group, in an attempt to raise a new generation under the so-called “Cubs of the Caliphate.”
These attempts include “indoctrination with extremist ideology,” imposing “strict practices” inside the camp, “inciting minors to embrace violence,” and “targeting humanitarian organizations,” which, according to the statement, poses a direct threat to the future of these children and undermines stabilization and relief efforts.
The campaign also aims to reinforce security and services in the camp.
Foiled escape attempt
On September 3, Asayish announced it had thwarted a mass escape attempt from al-Hol. The forces said 56 people from ISIS families tried to flee using a large Hyundai “Inter” vehicle.
Repatriations
On August 6, Iraqi Deputy Minister of Migration and Displacement Karim al-Nouri told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that more than 15,000 Iraqis had returned from al-Hol after security screening, with no recorded breaches. He added that 6,000 Iraqis remain in the camp awaiting return, noting ongoing international efforts to close al-Hol as soon as possible.
The camp once hosted more than 70,000 people of various nationalities, including over 30,000 Iraqis, while the number of Iraqis currently remaining has dropped to around 10,000, according to al-Nouri.
Political file
Al-Hol camp remains a central political issue between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which consider it a bargaining chip. However, developments and understandings between Damascus and regional and international powers point to the possibility of this card being withdrawn from SDF’s hands.
Recently, the camp, which houses families of ISIS fighters, has seen increased internal and external activity aimed at finding a solution to its file.
