In northeastern Syria, there are concerns that the Islamic State (ISIS) may make a large-scale comeback, with locals fearing not only new terrorist attacks but also a “ticking time bomb” due to the situation in the Al-Hol camp, according to a special report released by tagesschau on Thursday.
Al-Hol is a refugee and internment camp that also serves as a safe haven for fundamentalist groups. Despite the military defeat of ISIS in Syria in 2019, the group still holds a significant influence over many of its supporters.
The camp currently houses more than 50,000 people, mainly children and wives of ISIS fighters who are detained in nearby prisons. While some countries have started repatriating their citizens, the camp remains overcrowded. There are concerns that a generation of children is growing up under the influence of an Islamist fundamentalist organisation.
Some children are already reaching adulthood, and some are considered particularly dangerous. They have been involved in recent attacks in northeastern Syria and other parts of the country, such as planting mines and shooting people with silencer guns.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), together with international partners, regularly conduct raids against ISIS. Still, there are concerns that a renewed conflict with Turkey could divert their attention, leaving the fight against ISIS to suffer.
If there were prison breaks, or if the situation in camps like Al-Hol spiralled out of control, it would be difficult to prevent a major resurgence by ISIS. The SDF commanders warn that it is crucial to continue the fight against ISIS to avoid such a situation.
ISIS sleeper cells have been recently carrying out attacks targeting civilians in central, northeastern and eastern areas of Syria.