Hasakah, northeast Syria – Kurdish-led security forces announced Saturday the conclusion of a major operation in al-Hol camp, northeast Syria, during which 11 ISIS members were arrested.
The Asayish, the internal security arm of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, said in a statement that the sweep targeted active ISIS cells in the camp, dismantled extremist networks, and thwarted planned attacks on humanitarian and service facilities.
Night raids destroyed what officials described as “dangerous hideouts” where militants had been preparing assaults against security forces. The operation also sought to limit the movement of ISIS sleeper cells both inside and around the camp.
Asayish said the effort was supported by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the U.S.-led international coalition against ISIS. Humanitarian organizations were briefed to ensure aid delivery could continue safely in the camp, home to tens of thousands of women and children linked to the extremist group.
Also read: Over 200 Iraqi Families Depart Syria’s Al-Hol Camp
The new phase of what authorities call “Operation Humanity and Security” followed a sharp rise in attacks by ISIS-linked cells in recent months. According to officials, more than 30 assaults targeted aid workers and facilities, disrupting relief efforts and endangering thousands of civilians.
Security officials also warned that ISIS operatives inside al-Hol continue to exploit vulnerable children through indoctrination, with women loyal to the group spreading extremist ideology under the banner of “Cubs of the Caliphate.” Their campaign, according to the statement, includes awareness programs and psychosocial support to reduce recruitment risks among youth.
Read more: International Conference to Fully Resolve Syria’s al-Hol Camp Issue
Al-Hol, located in Syria’s Hasakah province, remains one of the most volatile camps in the region, with international organizations repeatedly describing it as a “ticking time bomb” for potential ISIS resurgence.
The U.S. chargé d’affaires in Iraq, Steven Fagin, announced last month that an international conference will be held in New York with the goal of urging countries to repatriate their nationals from al-Hol camp.
