ISIS cells have intensified their activity in the al-Hol camp in Syria’s northeast. Kurdish security forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by the anti-ISIS coalition, carried out a wide security operation in the camp where they discovered an explosive planted by ISIS.
The device was planted in the section hold Iraqi detainees.
The Kurdish security forces, known as Asayish, said the operation aimed to protect the detainees in the camp and ensure that humanitarian operations flow smoothly.
Over 30 terrorist attacks had taken place in the camp since the beginning of the year, they added in a statement. The attacks targeted humanitarian workers and have caused damage to service facilities.
The attacks are a direct threat to the lives of the residents and impede humanitarian efforts, it went on to say.
Security forces are working on dismantling terrorist networks and cracking down on individuals who are trying to impose their influence, while also seeking to protect children from falling under the influence of extremists.
Awareness programs and social and psychological support are provided to the children.
Director of the camp Jihan Hanan told Asharq Al-Awsat that there has been a spike in crime at al-Hol.
The crimes include murder, threats, physical abuse and riots.
The security forces also managed to bust an escape attempt by 56 foreign women and their children on Tuesday. Investigations are underway into the incident.
Hanan revealed that services in the camp have recently been limited to life-saving operations because relief workers are receiving threats and have been repeatedly assaulted.
Al-Hol is holding some 26,000 suspected extremists, including 6,350 members of their families, who are mostly foreigners from western and Arab countries and Russia. It also holds some 5,000 Iraqi refugees, 15,000 displaced Syrians and 9,000 children whose parents are unknown.
Meanwhile, commander of United States Central Command Brad Cooper inspected the camp on Wednesday as part of the anti-ISIS coalition efforts to bolster security at al-Hol and boost international cooperation with local forces.
He met with Hanan and members of the autonomous Kurdish administration. They discussed the latest field developments and pressing dangers amid the ISIS threats.
On Thursday, Cooper met with SDF commander Mazloum Abdi for talks on combating ISIS cells.
The US official reiterated the commitment to support the SDF and continue joint counter-terrorism operations.
Discussions also tackled the dialogue with the Damascus government and means to implement the March 10 agreement to merge the SDF in the Syrian army. They agreed to hold more meetings in the future.
