Al-Hol camp secured: 'Enduring Security' operation concludes successfully

The Joint Operations Room for the "Enduring Security" operation, conducted by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), and Internal Security Forces - Women, in the al-Hol area and its camp, released a final statement. It was read in Kurdish by the head of the YPJ media center, Ruken Jamal, and in Arabic by Kahraman Murad.

The statement reads:

"Over seven days, the joint forces within the 'Enduring Security' Operations Room, composed of the SDF, Internal Security Forces, and led by the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) and Internal Security Forces - Women, conducted a widespread combing and inspection operation in the southern and northern rural areas of al-Hol and its camp. This included precise security operations targeting ISIS cells in these regions.

The operations were carried out in two main phases. During the first two days, over 200 villages in the southern and northern countryside, including a 70-km stretch along the Syrian-Iraqi border and its surrounding desert areas, were combed. The operations then extended to inspect al-Hol camp and the city itself, involving 5,000 male and female fighters from the joint forces, supported by the International Coalition Forces.

In addition to the main combing operations, the forces raided more than 60 ISIS sites and hideouts inside and outside the combed areas in al-Hol, Tal Hamis, the countryside of Tal Kocher, and east of Hasaka city.

Since the beginning of the operation, the forces were clear and committed to creating all the conditions necessary for success and achieving the planned objectives, especially eradicating terrorist hideouts and removing supporting environments, which would ensure the high level of security required in the region. This, in turn, would positively impact the lives and activities of residents. Achieving this required substantial efforts and sacrifices from the operation forces, who affirmed their readiness to continue on this path in the future without hesitation.

As the combing and inspection shifted to al-Hol camp, which lasted five days, evident security and organizational improvements were observed due to previous security and humanitarian efforts by the security forces and the ongoing efforts by camp management. However, this was not favorable for ISIS, which continued its attempts to reorganize itself both inside and outside the camp and planned attacks, as well as efforts to rebuild its so-called 'female Hisbah' unit and 'Cubs of the Caliphate.' These efforts failed due to the continuous security operations by our forces.

Given the importance of al-Hol camp, which houses 40,000 ISIS families and other displaced people, this operation was necessary to ensure security, protect the lives of residents, and prevent ISIS from gaining access to it, contributing to the joint fight against terrorism. Accordingly, the entire camp was combed, especially the 'Migrant' section, which ISIS still relies on for reorganizing within the camp. There, the brutality and extremism among ISIS families were evident, particularly in the case of a woman who was tortured and killed, with her body hidden. It was discovered by the forces based on a confession from one of the women involved in the torture.

In addition to inspections, the forces conducted a census and verified residents’ records, addressing violations related to fake names and identities.

As a result of the security and military operations in the northern and southern countryside, as well as al-Hol city and its camp, the "Enduring Security" forces arrested 79 ISIS members, seized a large cache of weapons, including bombs and mines, and questioned 17 women involved in acts of torture and assisting terrorist cells. They also confiscated numerous electronic devices that facilitated communication between ISIS cells and their collaborators within the camp, as well as ISIS symbols and flags.

The operation was delayed multiple times due to repeated Turkish occupation attacks, both before and during the operation. It was clear that these attacks aimed to disrupt the mission for Turkey’s own agendas.

The forces displayed professionalism and a high level of responsibility during the inspections and pursuits. They express their gratitude to the local residents, who showed respect and cooperation with the forces, reaffirming their commitment to protecting the residents, ensuring stability, and taking firm action against any attempts by ISIS or other criminal elements to disrupt security. They also thank the International Coalition Forces for their support throughout all stages of the operation.

We also call on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities toward the residents of al-Hol camp and provide sufficient support to the security forces, service institutions, and administrative bodies in the Autonomous Administration areas of North and East Syria. This will ensure the provision of all needs, free from politicization and the traditional patterns of dealing with displaced persons in the region."

A-H

ANHA