16 ISIS suspects arrested in Rojava’s al-Hol camp

At least 16 suspected ISIS members were detained during an ongoing security operation in al-Hol camp, northeast Syria, Rudaw reported yesterday citing Kurdish internal security forces (Asayish). The operation, now in its second day, also led to the seizure of three Kalashnikov rifles, two pistols, and various ammunition. Local media reported 28 people were detained, with 16 accused of links to ISIS.

The Asayish, alongside the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) and supported by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), launched the joint operation following a rise in ISIS attacks targeting civilians and security personnel within the camp. Al-Hol, in Hasaka province, houses around 40,000 people, mostly Iraqis and Syrians, many with alleged ISIS ties.

Conditions in the camp have deteriorated amid interrupted international aid. ISIS has attempted smuggling operations and targeted children for indoctrination. While Iraq is repatriating some citizens, many countries resist taking back nationals over security concerns. Despite the ISIS caliphate’s collapse in 2019, the group remains a persistent threat in the region.