Warning Over Security Crisis in Northeast Syria’s ISIS Detention Camps

Warning Over Security Crisis in Northeast Syria’s ISIS Detention Camps
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A sharp reduction in US funding for detention camps holding members of the Sunni extremist group ISIS in northeast Syria has raised alarm among experts and international organisations, who warn of growing risks of unrest, escape attempts and renewed recruitment by militant networks.

More details in the following report:

Analysts say that without sufficient resources to manage and secure the camps, the situation could deteriorate into a “catastrophic” crisis.

According to reporting cited by The Wall Street Journal, the funding cuts have worsened already severe humanitarian and security conditions in facilities such as al-Hol and Roj, where tens of thousands of ISIS-linked detainees — including women and children — remain held under the control of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The Journal states that the administration of former US President Donald Trump reduced at least $117 million in aid to northeast Syria this year. The cuts affected at least 15 projects in al-Hol camp and five in Roj, including those supporting medical clinics, mental health and rehabilitation programmes, psychosocial services, and safe spaces for children.

Jihan Hanan, director of al-Hol camp, told media that reduced funding has left children more vulnerable to radicalisation. She added that UN agencies and European governments have been unable to fully compensate for the loss of US support.

A spokesperson for the US State Department reiterated that Washington “cannot assume long-term financial responsibility” for the camps.

Regional security experts warn that the detainee population — which includes hardened militants, indoctrinated youth, and family members of ISIS fighters — represents one of the most complex security challenges in post-ISIS Syria. Attempts to escape from al-Hol have reportedly increased this year.

Colin Clarke, executive director of the Soufan Center, an independent research organisation focused on global security and extremism, said: “If ISIS manages to carry out a mass breakout, the consequences would be disastrous.”

The Wall Street Journal also reported that ISIS has circulated new audio messages urging supporters to aid detainees and launch “individual jihad” operations.

Experts argue that the combination of funding cuts, poor living conditions and renewed ISIS messaging is creating a significant security crisis across detention sites in northeast Syria.