Summary
Syrian authorities have completely evacuated and closed the al-Hol camp, which housed families related to ISIL fighters. The last residents left in a convoy, and the camp once held up to 73,000 people. Many of those relocated are headed to various locations, including other camps and their home countries.
Key Facts
- The al-Hol camp in Syria has been closed after its last residents were evacuated.
- The camp, at its largest, held about 73,000 people, consisting of mostly ISIL-related families.
- Recently, around 24,000 people still lived there, including many Syrians, Iraqis, and over 6,000 people from 40 other countries.
- The Syrian government took control of the camp from Kurdish authorities before shutting it down.
- Those relocated included women and children, some of whom moved to destinations like Aleppo and Iraq.
- Some buses carrying people, including 34 Australians, were turned back when attempting to leave another camp for Australia.
- The Syrian Democratic Forces still control the smaller Roj camp in northeastern Syria, primarily housing foreigners.
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the country will not repatriate families linked to ISIL members.
