By Dilsoz Youssef/ Samer Yassin
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Internal Security Forces (Asayish) and Women’s Internal Security Forces, alongside the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and the Global Coalition, launched a new phase of the “Humanity and Security” operation at al-Hawl Camp on Friday. The operation is designed to protect residents and secure critical facilities that have been targeted by ISIS cells, Ma’n al-Asi, a senior Asayish official in the Jazira region, told North Press
“The operation also seeks to prevent the recruitment of minors into groups referred to as “Cubs of the Caliphate,” Al- Asi said.
The camp’s co-director, Jihan Hanan, confirmed that the security situation had deteriorated in recent weeks due to the activities of women associated with the “Hisbah” and acts of sabotage and arson carried out by minors, prompting the need for the operation to protect residents and maintain educational and humanitarian services.
In an official statement, the Asayish said the operation is designed to “protect camp residents and ensure the safe operation of humanitarian organizations.”
The camp has experienced more than 30 attacks in recent months targeting humanitarian workers and damaging service facilities, putting thousands of civilians at risk and hindering relief efforts.
The operation includes dismantling extremist networks, tracking individuals attempting to regain influence, safeguarding humanitarian staff, and preventing the exploitation of children through awareness programs and psychosocial support.
Al-Asi added that the operation has already led to the arrest of several ISIS members and the seizure of explosives and weapons intended for attacks inside the camp. The operation also responds to recent attempts to smuggle women linked to ISIS, aiming to sever the connections between extremist cells within and outside the camp.
Jihan Hanan highlighted that attacks in recent weeks particularly targeted educational centers in the women’s section, including the burning of three facilities due to opposition to the curriculum. This prompted the temporary closure of the section and reinforced the need for the ongoing security campaign.
The Global Coalition continues to play a key role in camp management, monitoring both security and humanitarian conditions, and facilitating the return of residents to their home countries when possible. Despite reluctance from many residents of diverse nationalities to return, the coalition works to pressure relevant states and the international community to ensure stability and safety within the camp.
This new phase of the operation continues a series of previous security and humanitarian campaigns that have successfully reduced ISIS activity and maintained safe access for humanitarian organizations. The Asayish emphasized that protecting the camp from extremism and preventing child exploitation are essential for sustaining aid and ensuring a secure environment for all residents, in close coordination with security forces, humanitarian actors, and the local community.