Feb 17 • 13:38 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Yle Uutiset

Sources to AFP: Syria has begun evacuating residents remaining at the al-Hol camp

Syria has started the evacuation of residents remaining at the al-Hol camp, intending to clear the camp within a week, as confirmed by two official sources to AFP.

The Syrian government has initiated the process of evacuating the remaining residents at the al-Hol camp, a site that previously housed families of suspected ISIS fighters, including some nationals from Finland. According to two official sources who spoke to AFP, plans are in place to completely empty the camp within a week. This development follows the recent completion of evacuations of ISIS members' family members from the facility, which has raised concerns regarding the future of those still living there.

Previously secured by Kurdish forces, the camp has come under the control of Syrian government forces in recent weeks, marking a significant shift in the management of the site. The al-Hol camp has been a contentious area due to its history of housing individuals linked to terrorism, and the situation remains fluid as the government moves forward with its evacuation plans. The implications of these movements may affect regional security and the handling of the repatriation of foreign nationals, including Finnish citizens.

As the Syrian government ramps up its measures to displace residents from al-Hol, there is growing international concern about the handling of former ISIS affiliates and their families. The relocation efforts underscore the complexities of addressing the aftermath of the ISIS conflict in Syria and the responsibilities of various nations for their citizens abroad. The next steps could further influence diplomatic relations and humanitarian response strategies in the region.

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