Islamic State Detention Camps and Renewed Attacks Underscore Syria’s Security Dilemma

Islamic State Detention Camps and Renewed Attacks Underscore Syria’s Security Dilemma
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Syria’s leadership is facing growing security and political challenges as it grapples with the future of detention camps holding thousands of Islamic State (IS) fighters and their families, while the group continues to stage attacks across the country.

The Al Hol and Roj camps in northeastern Syria house more than 27,000 women and children linked to IS, most of whom have not been charged with crimes. Around 8,000 IS fighters are held in nearby prisons, according to camp administrators. Nearly 60 percent of camp residents are under 18, raising concerns that extremist ideology is being passed to a new generation amid poor living conditions, limited education and reduced international aid.

The camps are currently guarded by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by the United States. However, as Washington scales back its military presence, responsibility may shift to Syria’s central government as part of efforts to integrate the SDF into a reconstituted national army after 13 years of war.

The ongoing threat was underscored on December 13, when a joint Syrian–U.S. patrol came under attack near Palmyra in central Syria, killing two Syrian security personnel and wounding others. The incident highlighted warnings from UN and U.S. officials that IS has expanded the frequency and lethality of its attacks in the past year.

Camp administrators and officials say reducing the camps’ population through repatriation and resettlement is urgent, warning that continued instability risks fueling further violence across Syria.