SDF, Coalition capture Iraqi ISIS operative in Hawl Camp
HASAKAH, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on Monday the arrest of an Iraqi ISIS security operative during a targeted security operation inside the Hawl Camp, located in the countryside of Hasakah in northeastern Syria.
In an official statement, the SDF reported that its Military Operations Teams (MOT) conducted a “precise security operation” on May 31 within the camp, resulting in the capture of a key member of an ISIS sleeper cell.
The operation, carried out in coordination with the U.S.-led Global Coalition, led to the capture of Saleh Ali Salman Ali, also known by the aliases Abu Khairallah and Abu Awab. According to the statement, the detainee is an Iraqi national.
The SDF revealed that the individual had fought in several battles against the Iraqi army before fleeing to Syria following the collapse of ISIS in Iraq.
“The captured terrorist had previously taken part in several battles alongside the terrorist organization against the Iraqi army,” the statement read. “Following ISIS’ defeat in Iraq, he fled to Syria and entered al-Hol Camp under the guise of being a refugee.”
While inside the camp, the suspect allegedly served as a security operative, actively recruiting youth and providing intelligence to ISIS cells about the camp’s internal dynamics and movement of other operatives, according to the statement.