Hundreds of Iraqis Leave Syria’s al-Hol Camp in Ongoing Repatriation Efforts

Iraqi families prepare to leave al-Hol Camp in northeast Syria. (North Press)
Iraqi families prepare to leave al-Hol Camp in northeast Syria. (North Press)

By Kardo Roj

AL-HOL CAMP, Syria (North Press) – A total of 600 individuals from 161 Iraqi families left al-Hol Camp in northeast Syria on Wednesday, returning to Iraq under a repatriation program coordinated between the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and the Iraqi government.

This marks the sixth repatriation convoy since the beginning of 2025 and the 23rd such operation since coordination efforts between AANES and Iraq commenced. These efforts aim to return Iraqi nationals, many of whom have been stranded in the camp for years due to security and bureaucratic hurdles.

Shukri al-Haji, head of the departure office at al-Hol Camp, confirmed the transfer, highlighting the continued cooperation between AANES and Baghdad. “The coordination process is ongoing between AANES and the Iraqi government to facilitate the return of all Iraqi nationals,” he told North Press.

Many of the returnees had been living in al-Hol for several years, unable to leave due to security concerns and administrative delays. Authorities have prioritized repatriating Iraqi families as part of broader regional stability and security efforts.

Last month, on February 24, a similar group of 163 Iraqi families, totaling 605 individuals, was transferred from al-Hol to al-Jadaa Camp near Mosul, Iraq. Iraqi authorities have been working to reintegrate returnees while addressing security risks posed by individuals associated with the Islamic State (ISIS).

Al-Hol, which once housed over 50,000 people, remains a security challenge, with frequent operations by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to counter extremist activities within the camp. Many of its residents are women and children, including the families of ISIS militants.

As the Iraqi government continues its repatriation efforts, questions remain over how swiftly and effectively returnees will be reintegrated into Iraqi society, given the lingering concerns over security screenings and social acceptance.