Syrian authorities have commenced the transfer of families from the Al-Hol camp to the newly established Akhtarin camp near Aleppo, marking the first relocation since the Syrian government took over management of the camp.
Syrian authorities have begun transferring residents from the Al-Hol camp, one of the largest refugee camps in northeastern Syria, to a new camp established in Akhtarin, located in the northern Aleppo countryside. Approximately 70 families were moved, accompanied by Syrian internal security forces and civil defense teams, indicating a significant shift in the management of displaced persons as the Syrian government takes control of the situation. Reports suggest that hundreds of women and children are among those relocated, highlighting the humanitarian aspect of this operation.
The Al-Hol camp has been notorious for housing thousands of families, including relatives of former ISIS fighters as well as displaced individuals from various regions. For years, these families were under the supervision of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) until their withdrawal from the camp. The recent move underscores the ongoing complexities of managing displaced populations in Syria and the urgent need for humanitarian aid and services. As the Syrian government assumes control, concerns about the conditions and security of these families may arise, given the camp’s notorious history.
The Syrian government, through its Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, has announced a comprehensive plan to manage the Akhtarin camp, which includes programs for rehabilitation, educational resources, and health services. This strategy aims to provide essential services to the waiting families and may pave the way for a more stable environment as the Syrian government attempts to reintegrate these communities post-conflict. However, the success of this initiative will heavily depend on the cooperation of various humanitarian organizations and the ongoing international response to the crisis in Syria.
