168 Iraqi Families Set to Leave Al-Hol Camp for Iraq
The planned departure is part of a coordinated initiative between camp authorities and the Iraqi government to facilitate the return of ISIS’s families.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - As part of ongoing efforts to Evacuate al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria (Rojava), 168 Iraqi families—comprising 681 individuals—are preparing to leave for Iraq, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).
The planned departure is part of a coordinated initiative between camp authorities and the Iraqi government to facilitate the return of ISIS’s families.
This latest group follows a similar transfer last month, when 167 families associated with the so-called Islamic State left Al-Hol for Iraq on February 23. That group included approximately 618 individuals, reflecting a broader effort to repatriate Iraqi nationals from the camp.
Al-Hol, located in Syria’s northeastern Hasakah province, has long been a point of concern due to security risks and deteriorating humanitarian conditions. The camp houses thousands of individuals, including families of suspected ISIS members, many of whom have lived in limbo since the territorial defeat of the extremist group.
Self-Administration Pushes for Voluntary Returns
Following the fall of Syria’s former regime, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) announced on January 23 that it would reopen pathways for Syrian nationals residing in Al-Hol to return to their areas of origin. In an official statement, AANES reaffirmed its commitment to providing necessary assistance to ensure a safe and organized return process.
The administration noted that while a similar decision had been made in 2020, many families in the camp had previously feared returning due to the presence of Assad’s regime. With the shifting political landscape in Syria, authorities are now working to encourage voluntary repatriations as part of broader stabilization efforts.
Al-Hol camp remains a complex humanitarian and security challenge, with thousands of residents awaiting resolution of their legal and political status. The departure of Iraqi families marks another step in the ongoing process of reducing the camp’s population and addressing the needs of those seeking to return home.
