UK Quietly Repatriates Women and Children Linked to Islamic State From Camps in Northeast Syria

UK Quietly Repatriates Women and Children Linked to Islamic State From Camps in Northeast Syria
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British media reports have revealed that the United Kingdom has quietly repatriated a number of women and children linked to the Islamic State group from detention camps in northeast Syria, without official announcements or extensive media coverage.

According to The Times, six women and nine children were transferred from camps under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to the UK. The report comes amid growing concerns over possible escapes by detainees as security conditions deteriorate in parts of eastern Syria following shifts in territorial control.

The newspaper reported that the SDF continues to control al-Roj camp near the Iraqi border, where 29 women and children who hold, or previously held, British nationality remain detained. There are indications the camp could be transferred to the authority of Syria’s interim government. A camp official said the repatriations were conducted quietly, with some unaccompanied minors allowed to return to the UK and placed under social services, while other minors remain in Syria with their mothers.

Reports said the UK Foreign Office has approved the return of women with children in limited cases, assessed individually, while London remains cautious about repatriating adult women linked to the group.

The developments follow increased instability in major camps, including al-Hol, after Syrian government forces took control of several areas, triggering unrest, fires, and the escape of dozens of women. Human rights group Reprieve renewed calls for the UK to repatriate all its nationals, arguing that continued detention poses serious risks and that adults can face prosecution in Britain where appropriate.