Internal Security Forces conclude major security operation in al-Hol Camp

AL-HOL CAMP, North and East Syria —The General Command of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) in North and East Syria has announced the successful completion of a wide-scale security operation within Al-Hol Camp, targeting sleeper cells and curbing threats from ISIS operatives. This six-day campaign was supported by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and involved intensive sweeps, targeted raids, and special operations beyond the camp’s perimeter. 

Al-Hol Camp, located in the Hasakah Governorate, houses approximately 55,000 residents, including internally displaced people, refugees, and thousands of individuals associated with ISIS fighters. The camp has long been regarded as a breeding ground for ISIS activity, where the presence of extremist sleeper cells poses ongoing threats to regional security.   

The operation led to the arrest of 20 ISIS-affiliated individuals, including high-profile operatives and collaborators. Security forces seized three AK-47 rifles, a pistol, ammunition magazines, and various military equipment. In addition, authorities thwarted a coordinated mass escape attempt, reportedly involving an ISIS cell inside the camp and external elements facilitating the plan. All members involved in the scheme were apprehended.   

Al-Hol Camp has gained notoriety over the years as a hotspot for ISIS resurgence. The camp’s challenging conditions, including overcrowding, lack of adequate resources, and ideological indoctrination within certain groups, have complicated security efforts. It has been described as a “ticking time bomb” by several analysts, as radicalized individuals continue to use the camp as a base for recruitment and planning terrorist activities.   

The recent operation underscores the ongoing battle to stabilize the region, with security forces combating attempts by ISIS to exploit weaknesses within the camp. The group has actively sought to reorganize its ranks, using al-Hol as a key operational hub to rebuild its presence in Syria and beyond.   

In its official statement, the General Command emphasized the significance of the operation as a major blow to ISIS’ plans but warned that long-term stability requires international intervention. The leadership urged the international community to address its legal and humanitarian obligations, especially regarding the repatriation of foreign nationals residing in the camp. Many countries have hesitated to reclaim their citizens, citing logistical challenges and concerns about extremism.   

The statement also called for increased support to the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES), highlighting the need for resources and collaborative strategies to manage al-Hol effectively. Without sustained international backing, the camp remains vulnerable to infiltration, and the broader fight against terrorism risks stalling.

Since 2021, Al-Hol Camp has been the epicenter of a relentless battle against the resurgence of ISIS sleeper cells. The ISF, supported by the SDF and Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), have conducted a series of targeted operations aimed at dismantling ISIS’ organizational presence and curbing its influence within the camp. These campaigns, evolving in scope and intensity, reflect the ongoing struggle to stabilize one of the most volatile regions in Syria. 

The first major campaign, launched in March 2021, marked a turning point in addressing the escalating threats within Al-Hol. Known as the Humanitarian and Security Operation, this six-day effort resulted in the arrest of 125 ISIS operatives, including 20 high-ranking leaders. Security forces uncovered explosive devices and communication equipment, effectively disrupting a wave of assassinations targeting civilians and women who had renounced extremism. This operation set the foundation for future campaigns, highlighting the camp’s role as a hub for ISIS’s covert activities. 

By August 2022, ISIS cells had begun to reconstitute their networks, with extremist women attempting to revive the Hisbah religious police. This second campaign exposed the depth of ideological indoctrination within the camp, particularly targeting children. Security forces arrested several key figures and dismantled indoctrination programs, underscoring the persistent challenge of combating radicalization in such a densely populated and ideologically charged environment. 

The operations in 2023 reflected a shift toward more aggressive and comprehensive measures.   

Spring 2023 saw sector-wide sweeps targeting ISIS-affiliated cells that had rebuilt their networks. Security forces uncovered hidden weapons caches and arrested high-ranking operatives, disrupting recruitment and indoctrination efforts aimed at children.   

In Summer 2023, a coordinated raid dismantled clandestine Sharia courts and thwarted attempts to reestablish the Hisbah. This operation not only neutralized individuals enforcing extremist ideologies but also addressed the growing trend of targeted killings within the camp. 

The year 2024 brought heightened challenges, with a spike in violence and assassination attempts prompting intensified security measures.   

Early 2024 witnessed a large-scale operation that led to the arrest of over 30 ISIS operatives and collaborators. Evidence of external coordination between ISIS cells inside and outside the camp highlighted the group’s evolving strategies. 

 In Late 2024, security forces intercepted a major plot to orchestrate a mass escape, detaining all individuals involved. This operation underscored the persistent threat posed by ISIS’s organizational capabilities and the camp’s vulnerability to infiltration. 

Established in 1991 to house refugees displaced by the Gulf War, Al-Hol was later repurposed to accommodate individuals fleeing conflicts in Iraq and Syria. Since the territorial defeat of ISIS in 2019, the camp has become a holding ground for families of ISIS fighters, including women and children indoctrinated with extremist ideologies. Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly called attention to the camp’s deteriorating conditions, warning that the lack of basic services could further exacerbate radicalization. 

Adding to the complexity is the humanitarian crisis unfolding in al-Hol Camp, where the suspension of USAID funding has exacerbated already dire conditions. Essential services such as food, water, and medical aid have been severely disrupted, heightening security risks, including the potential resurgence of ISIS-linked activities. Continued funding would not only stabilize the camp but also improve humanitarian outcomes and mitigate threats to regional security—underscoring its critical role in the broader regional strategy. 

The recent security operation conducted by the ISF, supported by the SDF, highlights the ongoing battle to stabilize al-Hol Camp. While the operation dealt a significant blow to ISIS sleeper cells, the camp remains a focal point for extremist activity. Without sustained international backing, including the restoration of USAID funding and broader support for the DAARNES, the camp’s challenges risk undermining regional stability and the global fight against terrorism.