The General Command of the Internal Security Forces (Asayish) in North and East Syria announced a new security campaign at Al-Hol Camp on Friday, aimed at countering threats posed by cells affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS). The operation seeks to eliminate sleeper cells operating inside and around the camp, located near the Syria–Iraq border.
The announcement was delivered at Al-Hol by Asayish official Colonel Mahmoud Al-Hussein and Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) spokesperson Roken Jamal. The officials said that the campaign would target attempts by ISIS to exploit the camp’s volatile conditions and to smuggle individuals affiliated with the group to other parts of Syria. They also warned that the ongoing lack of international support has increased both humanitarian and security pressures on local forces.
According to the statement, Al-Hol Camp remains a strategically significant location for ISIS, with tens of thousands of individuals linked to the group residing there. Security forces report that extremist networks continue to incite violence and attempt to recruit from within the population. The operation is part of a wider strategy to disrupt these activities and prevent further destabilisation.
On the second day of the operation, the Internal Security Forces confirmed the arrest of 16 individuals affiliated with ISIS. The search of the camp and its surroundings also led to the seizure of three Kalashnikov rifles, two pistols and a large quantity of ammunition. The joint campaign continues with participation from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the YPJ.
Spokespersons from the Asayish and YPJ said that recent intelligence had revealed the presence of organised ISIS cells both inside and outside the camp. These groups have allegedly been involved in planning attacks, inciting unrest, and undermining security in the region. While the statement did not reference it directly, an attack claimed by ISIS in Deir ez-Zor (Dêrazor) on the same day has highlighted the urgency of the security campaign.
