Syria’s Kurdish Forces Launches Anti-ISIS Operation in Roj Camp to Counter Extremist Activity
By Kardo Roj
ROJ CAMP, Syria (North Press) – Internal Security Forces (Asayish) initiated a targeted security operation on Saturday against Islamic State (ISIS) sleeper cells operating within Roj Camp, located in the countryside east of Qamishli, northeast Syria.
According to Asayish officials, the two-day campaign aims to disrupt covert ISIS networks, confiscate extremist propaganda, and arrest individuals suspected of involvement in recent attacks or of inciting violence within the camp. The operation follows what officials described as “concerning movements” and increased ISIS-related activity in and around the facility in recent weeks.
“This campaign was launched to ensure safety and stability following intelligence indicating preparations for terrorist acts,” said Bahar Ibrahim, a senior Asayish commander, in a statement to North Press.
The Roj Camp, housing women and children formerly affiliated with ISIS, remains a security concern for the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). While many residents are undergoing rehabilitation or awaiting repatriation, authorities have repeatedly warned of the presence of extremist sleeper cells capable of exploiting the fragile environment.
During Saturday’s raids, Asayish units searched tents and communal areas, uncovering improvised materials designed to resemble weapons, including children’s toys altered to simulate firearms and other combat tools.
“We found evidence of ideological indoctrination among minors,” Ibrahim stated. “Our aim is to dismantle the roots of extremist thinking and protect vulnerable individuals, especially women and children, from further harm.”
The operation follows several attempted attacks in AANES-administered areas that have been traced back to ISIS-linked operatives still active in displacement camps like Roj and al-Hol. These incidents include assaults on women, disappearances, and acts of intimidation, prompting local authorities to intensify counterterrorism measures.
Roj Camp, managed by the AANES with security oversight by the Asayish and support from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), hosts approximately 2,000 individuals, many of whom are family members of former ISIS militants. While the AANES has appealed to foreign governments to repatriate their citizens from the camp, progress has been slow, contributing to deteriorating conditions and rising risks.
Human rights organizations and international watchdogs have acknowledged the complex nature of the camps but also recognize the efforts by AANES and SDF to maintain order and prevent radicalization amid limited resources.
Security campaigns like the one in Roj Camp are part of broader stabilization efforts by the AANES and SDF, both of which continue to receive support from the U.S.-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. While the territorial defeat of ISIS was declared in 2019, experts warn that ideological and logistical remnants of the group remain embedded within civilian populations in northern Syria.
As AANES authorities press international stakeholders to assume greater responsibility for their nationals in camps, the region remains vulnerable to the resurgence of extremism if left under-resourced.
“If international inaction continues, these camps could become flashpoints,” warned Ibrahim. “Our responsibility is to act preemptively.”
The ongoing campaign in Roj Camp underscores the enduring challenges facing northeast Syria’s local authorities in containing extremist threats while managing humanitarian needs. As Asayish operations continue over the next 48 hours, further arrests and seizures are expected.