Feb 25 β€’ 12:57 UTC πŸ‡ΆπŸ‡¦ Qatar Al Jazeera

Damascus confirms mass escape from al-Hol camp and pursues ISIS organization

The Syrian Interior Ministry acknowledged a mass escape from the al-Hol camp, where families of suspected ISIS members resided, and reported the arrest of an ISIS member involved in a military killing in Deir Ezzor.

The Syrian Interior Ministry has confirmed that there has been a mass escape from the al-Hol camp, a facility that housed families of individuals suspected of belonging to the Islamic State (ISIS), including foreign nationals. The situation arose after unexpected and uncoordinated withdrawal of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from the area prior to the arrival of Syrian army units, leading to chaos within the camp as security personnel abandoned their posts. The ministry's spokesperson noted that the opening of the camp was done haphazardly, contributing to the disorder and facilitating the escapes.

Amid these developments, the Interior Ministry also reported the arrest of an ISIS member who was implicated in the killing of a military officer from the Defense Ministry in Deir Ezzor, which is located in eastern Syria. The arrest underscores ongoing security challenges in the region as the authorities grapple with remnants of ISIS and their influences. The Syrian government's pursuit of ISIS operatives is an important part of their broader strategy to regain control and ensure stability in territories previously affected by the conflict.

The implications of the mass escape are significant, as it raises concerns regarding the resurgence of ISIS and the safety of civilians and security forces in the area. The incident also highlights the complexities involved in managing such camps, where tensions run high and oversight can easily falter. As security measures are evaluated and enhanced, the situation in al-Hol camp serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in combating extremism in Syria and the surrounding region.

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