Thousands leave al-Hawl Camp amid security changes, FT says
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – More than 20,000 detainees formerly held at al-Hawl Camp, which houses families affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS), have reportedly fled following recent security changes after Syrian government forces assumed control of the camp, according to a report published on Thursday by the British newspaper Financial Times.
Thousands leave al-Hawl Camp amid security changes, FT says
Over recent years, the SDF repeatedly warned that the camp posed ongoing security risks due to the presence of ISIS-linked networks operating clandestinely inside the facility. Security forces had carried out multiple campaigns targeting sleeper cells and smuggling attempts, describing the camp as a humanitarian and security challenge requiring sustained international support.
Al-Hawl Camp, located in the countryside of Hasakah governorate, has long been considered one of the most sensitive security files in northeast Syria. The camp previously operated under the supervision of local authorities affiliated with the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), with security oversight provided by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which conducted regular operations aimed at preventing extremist activity and maintaining internal stability.
According to the report, some escapees managed to cross borders illegally into Iraq and Turkey, while only about 2,000 Iraqi and Syrian detainees reportedly remain inside the facility.
The Financial Times report noted that the departures occurred amid shifting control arrangements, though no independent figures confirming the total number of escapees have yet been officially released by relevant authorities.