Syria confirms 'mass escape' from ISIS-linked camp
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- Since Syrian government forces took control of the al-Hol camp in northeast Syria on January 21, at least 133 breaches and mass escapes have occurred, raising significant security concerns in the region.
- The camp previously housed about 23,500 residents, including 70% women, children, and elderly, mostly Syrians and Iraqis, with 6,500 people from 44 other nationalities.
- Many residents were in de facto detention due to suspected links to ISIS, though most were not formally accused of crimes; women and children are considered in need of protection and rehabilitation.
- Syrian authorities have relocated hundreds of residents to camps like Akhtarin in Aleppo province and repatriated some to Iraq, while committing to
