Kurdish Forces Launch Security Operation Targeting ISIS Cells in al-Hol Camp, northern Syria
By Kardo Roj
HASAKAH, Syria (North Press) – The Internal Security Forces of North and East Syria, known as Asayish, launched a coordinated security operation at dawn on Friday inside the notorious al-Hol camp, aiming to dismantle ISIS-affiliated sleeper cells.
According to senior officials, the sweep resulted in the arrest of several individuals believed to be active operatives of the Islamic State (ISIS), and confiscation of weapons and communications devices.
The operation was publicly announced earlier today during a press briefing held by Asayish leadership and representatives from the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ). They confirmed that the ongoing campaign is supported by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the U.S.-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.
“We launched a focused mission this morning against active ISIS cells both inside and outside al-Hol camp,” said Colonel Mahmoud al-Hussein, commander of the Asayish forces in Jazira Region. “These cells have been engaged in inciting violence and smuggling weapons inside the camp.”
The campaign, conducted under tight security, comes amid rising concerns over the reactivation of ISIS networks exploiting instability in northeastern Syria and the dire humanitarian conditions in al-Hol.
Col. al-Hussein added, “The arrests were made after precise intelligence work. We are working to ensure the camp no longer serves as a base for terrorist operations or extremist indoctrination.”
He affirmed that the operation remains ongoing and has so far progressed without major complications, with additional targets identified and under surveillance.
Al-Hol camp, located in the Hasakah countryside, houses tens of thousands of people, including family members of ISIS fighters, many of whom hail from Iraq, Syria, and dozens of other countries. The camp has repeatedly been described by international observers as a security time bomb due to the presence of radicalized individuals and organized networks operating under the surface.
Despite previous security campaigns, al-Hol remains a hotbed for illicit activities including escape plots, assassinations, and external coordination with ISIS remnants.
The SDF and Asayish have previously warned that the international community must take greater responsibility for the repatriation of foreign nationals held in the camp and support rehabilitation efforts for women and children vulnerable to re-radicalization.
This latest operation underscores the continued threat posed by ISIS and highlights the critical role of regional security forces in containing extremist movements, especially amid the political uncertainty and fragile security environment in Syria.