Will Syria succeed in dismantling camps linked to ISIS?
Syria is attempting to dismantle camps housing families of ISIS fighters as it regains control over these facilities from Kurdish forces.
The Syrian government is taking steps to address one of the most complex security and humanitarian issues in northeastern Syria by planning to dismantle camps that shelter the families of ISIS fighters, particularly the Al-Hol and Roj camps in Hasakah province. This initiative aligns with the recent transfer of camp management from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to the Syrian Ministry of Interior, reflecting the government's intent to reassert control over a sensitive and complicated issue amidst cautious international scrutiny and questions regarding its feasibility and associated challenges.
The Syrian government considers the continued presence of these camps in their current form to be a significant security risk, given the recurring incidents of violence, escape attempts, and the activity of dormant cells within these facilities. Damascus has criticized the SDF for failing to resolve the crises effectively over the years and has proposed that the security-focused management strategies employed have only aggravated the situation.
The government's approach appears to shift towards community-based humanitarian treatment rather than prioritizing security solutions as an initial step in dismantling the camps. This includes rehabilitation and reintegration efforts for the Syrian families held in the camps, particularly Al-Hol, aiming to address their needs and facilitate their return to society, thereby reducing the related security risks over time.