UN urges dialogue as Syrian forces take control of Al-Hol camp

The United Nations has encouraged continued dialogue in northeastern Syria as government security forces assume control of the critical Al-Hol camp in Hasakah province. The move follows a new "mutual understanding" between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which the UN cautiously welcomed as a potential step to reduce violence in the region.

UN's Cautious Welcome and Call for Security

At a press briefing, UN spokesperson Farhan Haq responded to questions about the reported agreement. "Obviously, if there is an agreement on the ground and understanding on the ground, that will put a hold on the violence, that would be a welcome development," he stated. Haq noted that the UN is following events "with great concern" and stressed that the parties should work together to secure detention facilities and implement agreements in good faith. "We'll have to see what happens in the coming hours," he added, urging all sides to "take measures to reduce the violence."

Details of the Understanding and Transfer of Control

According to statements from the Syrian presidency, a "mutual understanding" with the SDF concerning the future of eastern Hasakah province came into effect. Under its terms, the SDF was given a four-day period to conduct consultations and prepare a detailed plan for the "practical integration" of the areas it controls into the state's administrative and security structures. This paved the way for Syrian security forces to enter the Al-Hol camp, a sprawling displacement facility housing tens of thousands, including families of suspected Daesh fighters, which has been a persistent security concern.

The Al-Hol Camp: A Persistent Security Challenge

The transfer of Al-Hol camp to Syrian state control addresses one of the most complex humanitarian and security dilemmas in the region. The camp has long been described as a breeding ground for extremism, with frequent security incidents. The UN and other aid agencies have repeatedly warned about the dire and unsafe conditions for its residents, particularly women and children. Restoring formal state authority and security is seen as a prerequisite for any long-term solution to manage the camp safely and humanely.

A Key Test for Broader Reintegration and Türkiye's Stakes

This development is a critical test case for the broader framework agreement between Damascus and the SDF, which includes the integration of the latter's forces into state institutions. For Türkiye, the primary concern remains the complete and verifiable dissolution of the SDF's military structure, which Ankara views as indistinguishable from the PKK/YPG terrorist organization. The successful state takeover of security in Al-Hol and other areas is a step Türkiye supports, as it aligns with its core policy of restoring Syrian sovereignty and eliminating terrorist entities along its border. However, Ankara will closely monitor whether this process leads to the genuine dismantling of the YPG's autonomous power or merely reshuffles its form within the state.