The situation in northeast Syria is tense as Kurdish forces continue to guard camps filled with families of ISIS members. These camps, particularly al Hol, have become hotspots for violence, with attacks increasing significantly since the fall of the Syrian government under Bashar al Assad.
Kurdish troops have been stationed at these camps for over six years, dealing with constant threats. Commander Kane Ahmed of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) noted that the danger has escalated, with daily attempts by detainees to escape. The perimeter of the camp has been reinforced multiple times, but Ahmed admits that security remains a challenge.
The Kurdish forces monitor the camps using CCTV and often conduct raids based on intelligence about ISIS activities. They are aware that outside groups help smuggle weapons into the camps and assist detainees in escaping. Some children in these camps are being groomed by ISIS as future fighters, raising serious concerns about their future.
Conditions in the camps are dire, especially for the more than 22,000 children living there, many of whom have never known life outside the confines of the camp. The lack of rehabilitation and psychological support for these children is alarming, as they face a life of radicalization without proper guidance.
Children in the camp express their disdain for the guards and openly declare their loyalty to ISIS. One child even threatened, "We will behead you," highlighting the deep-rooted ideology that persists among the youth. A woman in the camp lamented their situation, saying they felt free under ISIS but now feel like prisoners.
The Kurdish forces are calling for more international support to manage the situation. They face a daunting task as ISIS tries to regroup in the power vacuum left in the region. The future remains uncertain, and the need for assistance is critical to prevent further destabilization.