News|ISIL/ISISSyria moves out last residents of ISIL-linked desert campOfficial Fadi al-Qassem says all residents have left al-Hol camp, which long housed relatives of alleged ISIL (ISIS) members.
Syrian authorities have announced the complete evacuation and closure of a remote camp that previously housed relatives of alleged ISIL (ISIS) members. The final group of residents departed on Sun, Feb 15, 2026, as stated by Fadi al-Qassem, the Syrian…
Syrian authorities have announced the complete evacuation and closure of a remote camp that previously housed relatives of alleged ISIL (ISIS) members. The final group of residents departed on Sun, Feb 15, 2026, as stated by Fadi al-Qassem, the Syrian government official managing the camp.
The camp, located in the northeastern Hasakah province, has historically accommodated a significant number of families connected to suspected ISIL fighters. At its peak in 2019, the facility held approximately 73,000 individuals. As of the previous month, the number had reduced to about 24,000, including Syrians, Iraqis, and over 6,000 foreigners from around 40 different nationalities.
Although not officially prisoners, the camp's residents were subjected to de facto detention in a highly secured area. Recent developments saw the Syrian government assume control of the camp from Kurdish authorities, as Damascus expanded its influence in northeastern Syria. Subsequently, many detainees, including families of suspected ISIL members, have departed for unspecified destinations. Some have been relocated to the Akhtarin camp in Aleppo province, while others have been repatriated to Iraq.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that several residents left the camp independently, opting not to wait for organized convoys. Reports indicate that many Syrian nationals returned to their hometowns, whereas numerous foreigners traveled to government-controlled areas such as Idlib or Aleppo governorates.
Syrian authorities have announced the complete evacuation and closure of a remote camp that previously housed relatives of alleged ISIL (ISIS) members.
Al-Qassem noted that the relocated individuals primarily consist of women and children who will require support for reintegration into society.
Women and children gather at al-Hol camp in Hasakah, Syria, in January [Khalil Ashawi/Reuters]
The situation at the smaller Roj camp in northeastern Syria remains uncertain. This camp, under the control of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), also hosts relatives of alleged ISIL members. Most residents are foreigners whose countries have largely declined to repatriate them. Recently, Syrian authorities turned back buses carrying 34 Australian women and children who left the Roj camp intending to travel to Australia. Australian authorities have reiterated their decision not to facilitate the repatriation of these families.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
