Syrian forces take control of al-Hol camp following SDF withdrawal

Syria's Interior Ministry announced on Tuesday that its internal security forces have taken control of the sprawling al-Hol camp in the eastern Hasakah province. The takeover follows the withdrawal of guards from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which Damascus claims left the facility vulnerable and was an attempt to sow disorder.

Accusations of Deliberate Abandonment

In a statement published by the state-run SANA news agency, the ministry accused the SDF of withdrawing and "leaving the camp without any guard." It described this action as "an attempt to create chaos and allow those inside the camp to flee." The government had earlier alleged that the SDF released Daesh detainees and their families from prisons before pulling out, acting without coordination with Damascus or the U.S.-led international coalition.

A Broader Deal for Regional Integration

The security shift aligns with a broader political understanding reached between the Syrian government and the SDF regarding the future of Hasakah province. According to a statement from the Syrian presidency, a "mutual understanding" took effect at 8 p.m. local time on Tuesday. Under this arrangement, the SDF has been given a four-day period for consultations to prepare a detailed plan for the "practical integration" of areas under its control into the Syrian state's administration.

Significance of the al-Hol Camp

The al-Hol camp is one of the largest and most volatile displaced persons camps in Syria, housing tens of thousands, including families of alleged Daesh members. Its security has been a persistent international concern due to the potential for radicalization and instability. The transfer of control to Syrian government forces marks a significant shift in the management of a major humanitarian and security challenge in northeastern Syria, bringing it under the direct authority of the Assad administration for the first time in years.