Human Rights Watch Warns of Uncertain Fate for Thousands of Detainees in Northeast Syria Camps

Human Rights Watch Warns of Uncertain Fate for Thousands of Detainees in Northeast Syria Camps
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Human Rights Watch on Tuesday warned that the fate of approximately 8,500 detainees remains unclear following the closure of the al-Hol camp and the announced impending closure of Roj camp in northeast Syria.

The organization said that as of mid-January, the two camps had housed around 28,000 people, including more than 12,000 foreign nationals from over 60 countries, as well as thousands of Iraqis. It noted that most of the women and children held in the camps had not been charged with criminal offenses.

Human Rights Watch renewed its call for governments to repatriate their nationals and ensure protection measures, including access to healthcare and psychosocial support. The group also urged fair legal proceedings for anyone accused of crimes, warning that unorganized departures from the camps have exposed women and children to risks such as trafficking, exploitation, and recruitment by armed groups.

The warning comes amid continued security challenges in northeast Syria. On Monday, four members of the Internal Security Forces were killed and two others wounded in an armed attack on a security checkpoint in Raqqa, according to local security sources. Clashes reportedly followed the attack, and security forces said they were pursuing remaining suspects.

The incident occurred a day after a similar assault targeted the same checkpoint. Meanwhile, the extremist group Islamic State recently released an audio recording attributed to its spokesperson containing threats against Syrian authorities, as security operations continue to dismantle remaining cells in the region.