Iraq Repatriates 185 Families from Syria's Al-Hol Camp in Effort to Close Facility

On April 30, 2024, Iraq repatriated 185 Iraqi families, including relatives of ISIS members, from the Al-Hol camp in Syria to the Al-Jad'ah camp in Nineveh, Iraq. The move is part of ongoing efforts by Iraqi authorities to close the Al-Hol camp and address extremism. The repatriation was carried out with the help of international agencies, aiming to rehabilitate the returnees and distance them from extremist ideology.

Despite the repatriation campaign, Iraqis remain the largest nationality among the approximately 43,000 residents of Al-Hol camp, which houses the wives, widows, children, and other family members of ISIS militants. The presence of foreigners at Al-Hol and the smaller Roj camp is seen as a burden on the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which oversees the camps and carries out raids on ISIS sleeper cells in Syria.

Why this matters: The repatriation of ISIS-linked families from Syria to Iraq highlights the complex challenges in dealing with the aftermath of the ISIS conflict. The closure of camps like Al-Hol is seen as critical in preventing the spread of extremist ideology and ensuring the safety and well-being of the camp's residents, particularly women and children.

The Iraqi Ministry of Migration and Displaced is overseeing the rehabilitation program for the returnees. However, the repatriation of ISIS families has raised concerns among the Yazidi community in Iraq, who fear a repetition of the 2014 massacre against their community by ISIS militants.

As of the latest figures, there are 42,781 people in Al-Hol camp, including 19,530 Iraqis, 16,779 Syrians, and 6,461 other nationalities. Iraq has repatriated a total of 7,556 citizens from Al-Hol camp so far, but the exact number of Iraqis remaining in the camp is unknown. The repatriation efforts have stirred some controversy in Iraq, where some residents do not want ISIS families among them. However, the repatriation policy has been commended by the United Nations and the United States.

Key Takeaways

• Iraq repatriated 185 ISIS-linked families from Al-Hol camp in Syria to Iraq.
• Iraq aims to close Al-Hol camp and address extremism through rehabilitation programs.
• Iraqis remain the largest nationality in Al-Hol, with 43,000 residents total.
• Repatriation raises concerns among Yazidis, who fear a repeat of 2014 ISIS massacre.
• Iraq has repatriated 7,556 citizens from Al-Hol camp so far, with more planned.