148 Iraqi Families Affiliated with ISIS Members to Return from Syria's Al-Hol Camp

A total of 578 individuals, will undertake their journey under the coordination of the SDF and the Iraqi government, with security arrangements provided by the International Coalition.

In this March 31, 2019 file, photo, women shop in the marketplace at al-Hol camp, home to families of Islamic State fighters, in Hasakeh province, Syria. (Photo: AP)
In this March 31, 2019 file, photo, women shop in the marketplace at al-Hol camp, home to families of Islamic State fighters, in Hasakeh province, Syria. (Photo: AP)

January 25, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – In a significant development, 148 Iraqi families affiliated with members of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) are set to depart al-Hol camp, located in the Al-Hasakah Governorate, Northeast Syria (Rojava) and return to Iraq. 

The announcement follows a broader initiative by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to facilitate the voluntary return of Syrian and Iraqi residents from Al-Hol camp. 

On Thursday, SDF declared an open invitation for Syrian nationals residing in the camp to return to their original areas, assuring comprehensive support to ensure their safe reintegration. 

A total of 148 Iraqi families, totaling 578 individuals, will undertake their journey under the coordination of the SDF and the Iraqi government, with security arrangements provided by the International Coalition.

Read More: ‘Ten Countries Commit to Repatriating Citizens from Syria's Al-Hol Camp’ Iraqi Official

On Jan. 8, a convoy comprising 193 families, totaling 715 individuals, left al-Hol camp under similar arrangements. This operation, involving armored vehicles from the International Coalition and aerial support, highlights the careful measures undertaken to ensure the safety of all parties involved. 

Such efforts are part of a coordinated strategy to dismantle remnants of ISIS influence and neutralize potential sleeper cells that pose ongoing security risks.

This renewed emphasis on voluntary repatriation aligns with the broader geopolitical shifts following the fall of the Assad regime on Dec. 8. These changes have been ushered in a new chapter for Syria, offering opportunities for reconstruction and reconciliation.

The ongoing efforts to repatriate displaced individuals from al-Hol camp are critical to mitigating long-term security threats and addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region. By returning Iraqi families to their homeland, the initiative seeks to dismantle the camp’s role as a breeding ground for extremist ideologies and restore stability to affected areas.

Despite progress in repatriation and reintegration efforts, the resurgence of ISIS sleeper cells poses a significant threat to regional stability. The SDF, with international support, remains committed to counterterrorism operations to neutralize these threats and safeguard the security of northeastern Syria.

Read More: SDF Captures Two ISIS Leaders in Deir ez-Zor Raid