Tents for Torture, Secret Detention Uncovered in Syria’s al-Hol Camp

Part of the security campaign that as launched on August 25 inside al-Hol camp. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Part of the security campaign that as launched on August 25 inside al-Hol camp. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Tents for Torture, Secret Detention Uncovered in Syria’s al-Hol Camp

Part of the security campaign that as launched on August 25 inside al-Hol camp. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Part of the security campaign that as launched on August 25 inside al-Hol camp. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Kurdish Internal Security Forces (Asayish) and the special female units of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have found a tent used by ISIS-linked elements for torture and detention inside al-Hol refugee camp, east of al-Hasakah governorate.

Security forces liberated four women who were chained up to a concrete wall.

This came as part of the second phase of the Operation Humanity and Security, which was launched by Asayish in the overcrowded refugee camp on August 25, in light of the increase in acts of murder and violence.

A video published by the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) Information and Documentation office showed the raid on a tent and how chained up women were liberated by female security forces.

“YPJ forces liberated four women in total in Sunday’s ongoing operation in al-Hol camp,” the YPJ said.

Two of these women said they came from Iraq and showed signs of torture.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, head of the SDF Media Center Farhad Shami said that in coordination with Asayish and the international coalition forces, the SDF launched an investigation to find those involved in torturing and chaining up the displaced women in the camp.

Shami said 23 suspects have been arrested so far, including six women, who operate in ISIS-affiliated cells.

He revealed that seven secret trenches were found under the tents, while the security forces demolished eight sites that were used by ISIS as training centers and courts for imposing executions and torture sentences.

The forces also confiscated quantities of hand grenades, Kalashnikov warehouses, military bags, SIM and memory cards and computers buried underground.

The camp, located 45 km east of al-Hasakah city in northeastern Syria, is considered one of the largest refugee camps in Syria. It houses about 56,000 people, most of whom are displaced Syrians and Iraqi refugees.

It also includes a special section for ISIS families, housing 10,000 people from 54 Western and Arab countries.

According to the figures published by Asayish on its official website, more than 100 suspects have been arrested since August 25, and about 110 tents that were used as training centers and courts for imposing executions and torture sentences were demolished.



Baghdad Urges Washington to Prevent ‘Imminent’ Israeli Strikes

Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
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Baghdad Urges Washington to Prevent ‘Imminent’ Israeli Strikes

Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Thursday called on major powers to “exert greater efforts to end the war in Palestine and Lebanon.” Meanwhile, an Iraqi government official urged the United States to “prevent any attacks on the country,” referring to potential Israeli strikes.
During a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Al-Sudani stressed the importance of ensuring the conflict does not escalate “to a level that threatens regional and global stability.”
The Iraqi prime minister’s appeal comes amid reports suggesting that Israel may launch strikes on Iraq in retaliation for attacks by Iraqi armed factions targeting Israeli positions.
The Iraqi government is striving to assert its exclusive authority over weapons and war-related decisions. However, armed factions affiliated with the Axis of Resistance openly claim responsibility for near-daily rocket attacks on Israel. This has provided Israel with a justification for potentially targeting Iraqi territory, especially after it filed a complaint with the UN Security Council against six Iraqi factions and held Baghdad responsible for the attacks.
These factions have also openly declared their involvement in the ongoing conflict with Israel in Lebanon and Gaza. The Iraqi government has been unable to take decisive action to halt the activities of these factions, which many believe could soon expose Iraq to an Israeli strike.
According to media reports, Washington has warned Baghdad that Israeli airstrikes on Iraq are “imminent” unless the Iraqi government curtails attacks by Iranian-backed factions on Israel. The Times of Israel cited sources indicating that the United States has “exhausted all means of pressure on Israel” and urged Iraq to act swiftly to prevent such attacks.
Despite repeated assurances from the Iraqi government—including its recent adoption of 12 measures by the National Security Council to counter Israeli threats and complaints—the situation remains tense. These measures include monitoring Iraq’s western borders, preventing factions from launching attacks, and maintaining Iraq’s neutrality in the ongoing conflict.
On Wednesday, Abu Hussein Al-Hamidawi, Secretary-General of Kata’ib Hezbollah, made a striking statement on the role of resistance factions in the war and their commitment to the Unity of Fronts doctrine frequently mentioned by Axis of Resistance groups.
In an interview published by the faction’s media arm, Al-Hamidawi said: “The continuity of the Unity of Fronts concept depends on what the Lebanese Hezbollah decides.”
Al-Hamidawi also emphasized that resistance factions are constantly coordinating internally and with external partners such as Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Palestinian resistance leaders.
“We aim to ensure that the Palestinian people are not left alone and that the Unity of Fronts remains intact,” he stated.
Fadi Al-Shammari, a political advisor to Sudani, reiterated that Israel’s threats “are not new,” citing the recent complaint filed by Israel with the UN Security Council as part of its pattern of issuing threats.
In media statements, Al-Shammari reaffirmed the Iraqi government’s long-standing position: “The decision of war and peace lies solely with the Iraqi government.”
He noted that the factions’ attacks are being launched from areas outside Iraq’s borders, specifically from Syria. However, he stressed that the Iraqi government is working through its security and military agencies to prevent Iraq from becoming a battlefield for external or internal parties.
Al-Shammari also called on the United States to fulfill its responsibilities under the Strategic Framework Agreement and security pact with Iraq, emphasizing the need to deter and respond to any external attacks that threaten Iraq’s internal security.