Evacuation of first Syrian families begins from Al-Hol camp in northeast Syria

In the Al-Hol camp, located in northeastern Syria and controlled by the terrorist group YPG (the Syrian branch of the PKK), the evacuation of the first group of Syrian families to the northwest regions of the country has started. This operation is being coordinated by the newly established administration of the Arab Republic.

The evacuation commenced early in the morning of June 16 under secure conditions and with the assistance of humanitarian organisations. A total of 176 people, comprising 43 families, including a significant number of women and children, were taken out of the camp.

The families, along with their personal belongings, were transported to the city of al-Bab in northwestern Syria and were brought to the “Faiza” stadium.

Upon arrival, the evacuees underwent medical examinations and received basic medical aid. Their personal data was registered, and after processing, all family members were handed over to their relatives.

Muhammad Kenjo, a representative from the support department, told Anadolu Agency that this is the first major evacuation from the Al-Hol camp to northwest Syria.

He explained that a convoy was organised consisting of 30 pickup trucks, 4 buses, and 5 ambulances, which accompanied the convoy to handle any possible medical emergencies.

Kenjo also highlighted that the support team provided all women, children, and men with necessary supplies and food, while medical teams ensured professional healthcare services.

“Once these people are received here, they will be resettled in new homes where they can integrate into society and live normal lives,” he added.

Although there have been individual evacuations from Al-Hol previously, this convoy represents the first fully organised relocation operation from the camp toward Aleppo. Kenjo noted that further evacuations of other families from the camp are planned.

The Al-Hol camp was originally established in 2003 to shelter refugees fleeing conflicts caused by the US invasion of Iraq. It is located in Hasakah province in eastern Syria.

Under the control of armed PKK/YPG forces, the camp houses both civilians who fled ISIS-controlled areas and captured ISIS fighters, along with their families.

International organisations, including the United Nations, have repeatedly expressed concern about the security situation in the camp, incidents of violence and abuse against women and girls, and the extremely difficult living conditions.

PKK/YPG has been criticised for failing to maintain order and improve living conditions, which has led to a further deterioration of the situation.

Despite the presence of thousands of families not linked to terrorist groups, as well as ISIS fighters and their children, no rehabilitation efforts are underway, leaving the camp effectively uncontrolled.

PKK/YPG reportedly uses its control over the camp as leverage in diplomatic relations with the United States and European countries.

Al-Hol continues to be seen by Western observers as a symbol of the ongoing ISIS threat. The US maintains a military presence in the region under the justification of fighting terrorism and the ISIS threat.

Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and efforts to restore Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, the status of Al-Hol camp has again become a subject of debate.

Experts suggest that a loss of control over the camp or its reduced significance could change the nature of relations between the PKK/YPG and Western nations, as the camp functions as a kind of “prison system” within these relationships.

By Tamilla Hasanova