Unknown gunmen kill one person near Al-Hol camp: SOHR

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Unidentified gunmen have killed a civilian from Deir al-Zor near Syria's notorious al-Hol camp, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) war monitor reported on Thursday. 

The victim was a truck driver from Al-Sousah town in east Deir al-Zor countryside "who has been shot dead by unknown gunmen near Al-Hawl (Al-Hol) camp in south-east Al-Hasakah countryside."

On Tuesday, SOHR reported that unidentified shooters killed Dr. Abdul-Mofdi in Deir al-Zor. On the same day, armed individuals killed the Kurdish paramedic Bassem Muhammad, who worked for the Kurdish Red Crescent in al-Hol. 

The following day, a foreign doctor from a humanitarian organization was injured in a stabbing attack in al-Hol.

"These developments come in light of the ongoing security chaos, widespread weapons (smuggling) and increased activity of ISIS cells in SDF-held areas," SOHR said.

Two leading UN humanitarian officials on Syria on Wednesday called for more security measures in al-Hol. 

Read More: UN official calls for more security measures in al-Hol after death of aid worker

There are about 56,000 residents in al-Hol, more than half of whom are under 18. The majority of al-Hol's residents are Iraqis and Syrians. However, many foreign residents also live there, many of whom are believed to have ISIS links. 

The local authorities have attempted to reduce pressure on the camp by repatriating Iraqis and allowing displaced Syrians to return home. They have also called on foreign countries to repatriate their citizens.

In recent months there has been an increase in violence in al-Hol. 

According to the UN, since January 2021, at least 90 Syrian and Iraqi camp residents have been killed, including two humanitarian workers.