Syrian government forces have taken control of the al-Hawl detention camp in northeastern Syria, a facility holding at least 24,000 suspected Islamic State members from 42 countries. The takeover followed the sudden withdrawal of Kurdish guards, leading to chaos, riots, and escape attempts by residents.
Camp director Jihan Hanan described the situation as 'very bad and descended into chaos,' noting that Kurdish guards fled and were replaced by Syrian government fighters. Residents reported a lack of bread and water for two days, and NGOs that supplied basic goods and medical services withdrew along with the guards.
In the foreigners' annexe, women and children cut fence wiring in an attempt to escape, while Syrian and Iraqi residents rioted, setting a bakery on fire. Crowds gathered at the gates, appealing to police to let them out. 'We welcome the Syrian government, but they should open the camp gates. We want to see our families,' said Um Mohammed, a 38-year-old resident from Idlib.
The Syrian government's takeover comes as it extends control over more than half of northeastern Syria, previously held by Kurdish forces. A fragile ceasefire ended on Saturday night, and Damascus appears determined to assert authority over the entire country. The world is watching nervously, as the new government, led by former jihadist fighters, faces the challenge of managing the world's largest IS prison camp.
Al-Hawl was originally a temporary solution after the defeat of the IS caliphate, but has become a semi-permanent city with conditions described as inhumane by rights groups. Many residents, including children, have been held without due process for years. The international community has long warned of the need to address the crisis, but with the latest developments, the situation remains precarious.
