Syria moves out last residents of ISIL-linked desert camp
Al Jazeera
February 22, 2026
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Syria has completed the evacuation of all residents from al-Hol camp, a remote desert facility in Hasakah province that housed relatives of alleged ISIL members. The last group of residents left in a convoy on Sunday morning under the supervision of Syrian government official Fadi al-Qassem. This marks the full closure of the camp, which at its peak in 2019 held over 73,000 people, including Syrians, Iraqis, and foreign nationals from more than 40 countries.
The evacuation comes after Syria's government took control of the camp last month from Kurdish authorities as part of efforts to extend its influence in northeastern Syria. Thousands of detainees, many linked to ISIL, have since been relocated to other facilities or repatriated to their home countries. However, the fate of the Roj camp, still under Kurdish control and housing similar populations, remains uncertain. Earlier this month, Syrian authorities turned back a bus carrying 34 Australian women and children attempting to leave Roj for Australia, citing security concerns.
The al-Hol camp's closure highlights the ongoing efforts by Syrian authorities to consolidate control in formerly contested areas. While many residents were not formally accused of crimes, they lived under de facto detention for years. The relocation of women and children has raised questions about their future reintegration, particularly given the challenges faced by foreign nationals seeking repatriation. Al-Qassem emphasized the need for support to help these individuals rebuild their lives.
This development underscores broader global concerns over counterterrorism efforts and the treatment of families linked to extremist groups. The situation in Syria reflects the complexities of post-conflict stabilization, including issues of detention, repatriation, and international cooperation. As countries like Australia have shown little willingness to repatriate citizens tied
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/22/2026