Summary
A Syrian official announced there were "mass escapes" from a camp in northern Syria that housed families of suspected ISIL fighters. This followed the Kurdish-led forces' withdrawal, allowing Syrian forces to find many breaches in the camp's security. The camp was previously controlled by Kurdish forces but is now under Syrian government control.
Key Facts
- Syrian officials confirmed mass escapes from a camp in northern Syria for relatives of ISIL fighters.
- The escapes happened after Kurdish-led forces left the camp.
- Syrian forces found over 138 breaches in the camp's perimeter wall.
- The Al-Hol camp held more than 23,000 people, mostly children, women, and older adults.
- The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces withdrew on January 20.
- Syrian authorities dispute the camp's population number and claim to have recaptured most escapees.
- Approximately 5,000 people who left Al-Hol camp remain unaccounted for.
- Concerns exist about potential security risks and the well-being of those who escaped.
