Tensions Rise in Al-Hawl Camp as Dozens of Families Escape Unchecked

Reuters

Al-Hawl camp in Syria.

The long-feared scenario of a mass escape from the Al-Hawl camp, which housed the families of suspected members of the Islamic State (IS) in northeastern Syria, has now materialised. 

After the withdrawal of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on January 20, under pressure from Syrian government forces who took control the following day, most of the camp's 24,000 residents left. Among them were 6,300 women and children of foreign jihadists who lived in the high-security section known as the "Annex," according to two humanitarian sources interviewed by Le Monde, confirming information reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP).

On the other hand, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) has reported repeated escapes of displaced persons and refugees from Al-Hawl camp in the countryside of Al-Hasakah, saying the departures are taking place without official registration or oversight from Syrian interim government institutions.

In a statement, the Observatory said the camp has witnessed frequent nighttime disturbances since security forces affiliated with the interim government assumed responsibility for guarding and securing the facility.

According to local sources cited by the Observatory, some families are coordinating with relatives outside the camp to facilitate their escape, while others are believed to be paying smugglers to assist in their escape.

The Observatory warned that the situation reflects the fragility of security in areas east of the Euphrates under the control of interim government forces. It also highlighted concerns over families affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organisation leaving the camp without monitoring or clarity regarding their whereabouts.

In a related development, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced on Saturday the suspension of its services in Al-Hawl camp due to security tensions at the main gate. According to the agency, a demonstration by camp residents escalated, with stones reportedly thrown at personnel and at a UNHCR facility as protesters demanded to leave the camp without restrictions.

The Syrian Observatory had previously reported on 13 February the escape of dozens of families affiliated with IS from Al-Hawl camp, amid recurring security tensions and sit-ins staged by some families attempting to leave.

There is no confirmed information regarding the exact number of those who have fled or their destinations. Observers warn that the continued escapes underscore the seriousness of the security situation in Al-Hawl camp and the surrounding areas.



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