Thousands flee Syrian camp, including IS members

According to the Wall Street Journal, American intelligence agencies estimate that 15,000 to 20,000 people, including members of the Islamic State, are at large after escaping from the Al-Hol camp in Syria. The camp in the east of the country, which housed more than 70,000 people after the defeat of the self-proclaimed caliphate in 2019, had more than 23,000 inhabitants at the end of 2025.

Most of them fled the camp after the Syrian government took control of the area last month following an offensive against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which had guarded the camp for years.

Western diplomats estimate that more than 20,000 people fled within a few days. The US assessment attributes the escapes to poor management and inadequate control of the security perimeter. The Syrian government, led by President Ahmad Shar, noted that many had left the camp and plans to monitor and reintegrate them. It blamed the chaos on SDF units, which it said had left the facility.

The breakdown in security has raised questions about the US decision to transfer counterterrorism efforts to the new Syrian leadership during the withdrawal of American forces. A report by the Pentagon's inspector general states that Damascus is willing to cooperate, but its capabilities are limited.

According to the UN, up to a quarter of those detained had no ties to the Islamic State. The most dangerous suspects were held separately, with some prisoners transferred to Iraq. The UN is also organizing the return of families to their home countries and noted that the camp will be virtually empty.

(max)