The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) requires international support to prevent an ISIS resurgence, Khalid Ibrahim stressed. He argued that the burden of managing the thousands of ISIS prisoners and their families in the Al-Hol and Roj camps must not fall solely on the AANES.
Ibrahim, a member of the administration’s foreign relations department, said in an interview with Fırat News (ANF) on Monday that the spread of extremist ideology is an international issue demanding a worldwide response, and the Syrian Kurdish forces must not be left to shoulder the responsibility.
Ibrahim highlighted that countries accepting repatriation of their citizens from camps often only take children and neglect the broader issue. The camps house individuals from some 50 countries, Ibrahim said, rejecting selective repatriation efforts.
Poor conditions in the camps, the overwhelming presence of ISIS-affiliated individuals, and the vulnerability of many young residents to extremist rhetoric have contributed to their status as a breeding ground for the Islamist group since its territorial defeat in 2019.
Earlier in May, Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji stated that 24 countries had begun repatriation efforts from Al-Hol and urged all citizens to be returned in preparation for closure of the camp. “Our goal is to shut down Al-Hol camp. Leaving it open only creates a breeding ground for a new generation of ISIS,” he said.
Ibrahim, in the ANF interview, further addressed the impact of Turkish cross-border attacks in northern Syria, suggesting the bombardments enable ISIS to reorganise. “Turkey’s actions provide ISIS with the opportunity and encouragement to regroup,” he said.
Ibrahim also highlighted a growing frustration among grieving families in North and East Syria, particularly those who lost children in the conflict, as they call for proper judicial processes for repatriated foreign citizens. “The people demand justice for the bloodshed of their children,” he added.
The continued detention of ISIS members without trial has been widely condemned for failing to adhere to international legal norms, denying ISIS members their right to a trial and their victims the right to a just and enduring settlement. Last year the AANES announced plans to imminently begin trying foreign ISIS fighters in local courts.
