Roj Camp Administrator warns ISIS Families “Ticking Time Bomb”

In this context, Roj Camp administrator Rashid Afrin shed light on the security situation inside the camp and efforts by some families of ISIS members to incite unrest and escalation. He warned that continued international neglect of the issue could turn the camp into what he described as a “ticking time bomb.”

Impact of al-Hol Developments and Rising Unrest

Afrin explained that recent events at al-Hol Camp, including the evacuation and escape of several ISIS members, as well as the transitional government’s arrest of some and the escape of others, have affected Roj Camp. He added that several children who had been staying at rehabilitation centers in al-Hol were also transferred to Roj.

“ISIS women in Roj Camp prepared themselves to leave following the events at al-Hol, but all their attempts to escape failed due to security preparedness, which led to increased tensions and a stronger desire to leave and cause destruction,” Afrin said.

He noted that the women had strengthened their organization inside the camp and were receiving instructions and guidance from outside the camp to incite unrest, attack humanitarian organizations and camp administration, create media attention and exaggerate events.

“Every night, children attack security posts, damage vehicles and carry out other acts of vandalism,” he added.

Afrin said the camp administration continues to hold dialogue and discussion sessions with the women in an effort to find solutions, but their demands largely center on their deteriorating psychological conditions as a result of remaining in the camp for more than nine years.

Internal Assessment of Camp Residents

On the positions of ISIS families inside the camp, Afrin revealed that an internal assessment found that around 20 percent of residents want to return to their countries of origin, while up to 70 percent want to move to areas under the control of the transitional government.

He added that a group of residents has carried out acts of vandalism, while some have gone as far as threatening to burn down the camp.

According to figures provided by Afrin, Roj Camp currently houses 745 families of ISIS members, including one Syrian family, 15 Iraqi families and 729 families of Arab and foreign nationalities.

Warnings Over Extremist Ideology Among Children

The Roj Camp administrator warned about children continuing to grow up in the camp environment and called on countries to repatriate their nationals.

“We repeat our call on countries, through the United Nations and other channels as well as the media, to repatriate their nationals. Boys and girls are growing up here with the same extremist ideology, receiving lessons and physical training inside the tents and constantly thinking about mobilizing and organizing themselves,” he said.

He added that the situation had reached the point where women were holding meetings and forming night patrols within the camp’s sectors.

Afrin criticized the international failure to adequately address the issue, noting that appeals made by the Autonomous Administration since its establishment in 2018 to countries and relevant parties had not received an adequate response.

He explained that only 38 families had left the camp this year after some European countries repatriated their nationals, while several Arab countries, including Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Somalia and Sudan, had not repatriated their citizens or responded to the issue.

Call for an International Tribunal and the Legal Closure of the Camp

Afrin warned that the continuation of the current situation poses a threat not only to the region but to the world as a whole, holding the international community responsible for addressing the issue. He said the camp administration bears a major responsibility amid the absence of dedicated prisons for these groups and their continued attempts to exert pressure and create openings for people to leave the camp.

He added that any unregulated departure could lead to a resurgence of bombings and terrorist attacks.

Afrin called for distinguishing between those involved in crimes and those who were not through legal procedures, stressing the need to empty the camp through legal mechanisms and a thorough assessment.

“The camp must be dismantled and emptied through legal means and a thorough assessment, and an international tribunal must be established to hold them accountable. Some women directly participated in killings, while others have not had blood on their hands. Justice must be served and those involved must be brought to trial,” he said.

ANHA