Syrian government forces have reportedly entered the vast al-Hawl detention camp in north-east Syria, a significant development following the withdrawal of Kurdish forces from the facility. This apparent move marks a shift in control over the camp, which houses approximately 24,000 people, including relatives of suspected Islamic State (IS) jihadists.
Military Entry and Security Measures
According to an Agence France-Presse journalist at the scene, a large group of Syrian soldiers opened the camp's metal gate and entered, while others guarded the entrance. This action comes after Kurdish forces announced on Tuesday that they had been "compelled to withdraw" from al-Hawl to defend cities in Syria's north, which were threatened by the advancing Syrian army. A ceasefire was subsequently announced, but the withdrawal has allowed government troops to move in.
The Syrian interior ministry has stated that it is taking necessary measures to maintain the security of al-Hawl camp. This follows an earlier declaration by the Syrian defence ministry on Tuesday, expressing readiness to take responsibility for al-Hawl "and all IS prisoners." The camp, located in a desert region of al-Hasakah province, holds a diverse population, including 15,000 Syrians and about 6,300 foreign women and children from 42 nationalities.
Background and Strategic Implications
Al-Hawl is the largest camp for suspected jihadists established by Kurdish forces, who played a key role in the fight against IS with support from an international coalition over the past decade. IS was defeated in Syria in 2019, but the aftermath has involved managing thousands of detainees and their families. The camp has been a focal point for humanitarian and security concerns, given its size and the sensitive nature of its inhabitants.
The Syrian army deployed on Monday across vast parts of northern and north-east Syria, areas from which Kurdish forces had withdrawn. This deployment is part of a broader agreement between the two sides, which stipulates that the Syrian state becomes responsible for IS prisoners and that the Kurdish administration be integrated into Syrian state institutions. This integration could reshape the political and security landscape in the region.
International Context and Statements
The move coincides with comments from the US envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, who noted that "the original purpose" of Kurdish forces as the primary anti-IS force had "largely expired." This perspective highlights the evolving dynamics in Syria, where local and international actors are reassessing their roles and responsibilities in the post-IS era.
In addition to al-Hawl, tens of thousands of former jihadists and their family members are held in other facilities. Thousands of former jihadists, including many westerners, are detained in seven prisons, while family members live in two camps established by Kurdish forces in northern Syria: al-Hawl and Al-Roj. The transfer of control to Syrian authorities could have implications for the treatment and future of these individuals.
As the situation develops, the entry of Syrian forces into al-Hawl camp represents a critical juncture in Syria's ongoing conflict, with potential impacts on security, humanitarian conditions, and regional stability. Observers will be watching closely to see how the Syrian government manages the camp and its inhabitants in the coming days.
