The Syrian authorities initiated the transfer of remaining family members of jihadists from the Al-Hol camp to a new site in northern Syria, as confirmed by two Syrian officials. Thousands of family members of Islamic State jihadists had vanished after control of the massive camp in northeastern Syria shifted from Kurdish forces to Syrian security forces. The Kurdish forces withdrew from Al-Hol on January 20 under pressure from Damascus, and the closed detention camp housed 24,000 individuals, including 6,300 foreigners, mainly women and children.

The transfer process has begun, with the temporary head stating that the camp is expected to be completely evacuated within a week. The population will be moved to existing camps in the Aleppo region. Humanitarian organization sources and eyewitnesses reported on the developments, underlining the implications of this transfer not only for the families involved but also for the wider security and humanitarian situation in Syria where the legacy and repercussions of the Islamic State continue to loom.

As these family members are relocated, concerns arise regarding their future, the potential risks to security, and the local communities' responses to receiving them. The ongoing conflict and instability in Syria complicate the humanitarian response, challenging both the authorities and international organizations to ensure that the needs of those displaced are met while addressing security concerns associated with the jihadist legacy.