SDF's Spokesperson confirms success of al-Hol security operation
The official spokesperson for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has confirmed that the recent security operation in the Al-Hol Camp yielded "significant and immediate" outcomes, including the dismantling of ISIS sleeper cells and the seizure of weapons and ammunition.
In a statement to ANHA Agency, SDF spokesperson Abojar Dawood emphasized that “the operation proceeded as planned and was carried out successfully, without any casualties among the participating forces.” Dawood noted that the five-day campaign was informed by precise intelligence and prompted by escalating threats within the camp, which he described as “a principal incubator for ISIS gangs.”
Motivations Behind the Operation
Dawood explained that the timing of the campaign coincided with “the political and military vacuum currently affecting the Syrian arena,” which allowed ISIS cells to exploit the resulting security instability to expand their operations within the camp. He added that these cells have taken advantage of the camp’s closed social structure to further their agenda.
He continued: “There were numerous motives, including recent military developments and ISIS’s efforts to regroup using Al-Hol as a base, where children are continually being recruited and indoctrinated through exposure to violent practices such as animal slaughter—tools designed to instill extremist ideologies from an early age.”
Outcomes of the Security Operation
According to Dawood, “several ISIS gangs were apprehended during the operation, including leaders and financiers. In addition, large quantities of weapons and ammunition intended for use both within and outside the camp were seized.” He further revealed that ISIS affiliates inside Al-Hol had been in contact with outside networks to coordinate attacks on both military and civilian targets in areas under the Autonomous Administration.
Participating Forces and the Role of Women
Dawood elaborated on the composition of the participating forces, which included various units of the Internal Security Forces—special operations, riot control, and the women's security division—as well as the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), who specifically handled operations in the “migrant women” and “extremist women” sectors of the camp, where male forces are prohibited due to the prevailing extremist ideology.
He affirmed: “The role of women’s forces was decisive, particularly in conducting searches in female-only areas where inhabitants uphold strict anti-male ideologies.”
Humanitarian Considerations
Responding to questions about the treatment of civilians during the operation, Dawood stressed that medical teams and ambulances accompanied the forces throughout the mission. He confirmed that assistance was provided despite field challenges, including stone-throwing and verbal assaults from some camp residents.
"The operation was conducted “in coordination with the International Coalition and several international stakeholders, including Iraq, as part of efforts to repatriate displaced persons," he added
“There are ongoing discussions regarding the return of Syrian IDPs as well, particularly following the fall of the Ba'ath regime. We hope concrete steps will be taken in this regard soon,” he said.
Post-Operation Plans
Concluding his remarks, Dawood called on humanitarian organizations to take over responsibility for addressing civil affairs and basic needs within the camp following the security operation’s completion.
a.k
ANHA
SDF's Spokesperson confirms success of al-Hol security operation
In a statement to ANHA Agency, SDF spokesperson Abojar Dawood emphasized that “the operation proceeded as planned and was carried out successfully, without any casualties among the participating forces.” Dawood noted that the five-day campaign was informed by precise intelligence and prompted by escalating threats within the camp, which he described as “a principal incubator for ISIS gangs.”
Motivations Behind the Operation
Dawood explained that the timing of the campaign coincided with “the political and military vacuum currently affecting the Syrian arena,” which allowed ISIS cells to exploit the resulting security instability to expand their operations within the camp. He added that these cells have taken advantage of the camp’s closed social structure to further their agenda.
He continued: “There were numerous motives, including recent military developments and ISIS’s efforts to regroup using Al-Hol as a base, where children are continually being recruited and indoctrinated through exposure to violent practices such as animal slaughter—tools designed to instill extremist ideologies from an early age.”
Outcomes of the Security Operation
According to Dawood, “several ISIS gangs were apprehended during the operation, including leaders and financiers. In addition, large quantities of weapons and ammunition intended for use both within and outside the camp were seized.” He further revealed that ISIS affiliates inside Al-Hol had been in contact with outside networks to coordinate attacks on both military and civilian targets in areas under the Autonomous Administration.
Participating Forces and the Role of Women
Dawood elaborated on the composition of the participating forces, which included various units of the Internal Security Forces—special operations, riot control, and the women's security division—as well as the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), who specifically handled operations in the “migrant women” and “extremist women” sectors of the camp, where male forces are prohibited due to the prevailing extremist ideology.
He affirmed: “The role of women’s forces was decisive, particularly in conducting searches in female-only areas where inhabitants uphold strict anti-male ideologies.”
Humanitarian Considerations
Responding to questions about the treatment of civilians during the operation, Dawood stressed that medical teams and ambulances accompanied the forces throughout the mission. He confirmed that assistance was provided despite field challenges, including stone-throwing and verbal assaults from some camp residents.
"The operation was conducted “in coordination with the International Coalition and several international stakeholders, including Iraq, as part of efforts to repatriate displaced persons," he added
“There are ongoing discussions regarding the return of Syrian IDPs as well, particularly following the fall of the Ba'ath regime. We hope concrete steps will be taken in this regard soon,” he said.
Post-Operation Plans
Concluding his remarks, Dawood called on humanitarian organizations to take over responsibility for addressing civil affairs and basic needs within the camp following the security operation’s completion.
a.k
ANHA
