Damascus: The Syrian government has announced an ambitious plan to permanently shut down two of the country’s largest displacement camps, al Hol and Roj, which together house tens of thousands of civilians connected to the Islamic State (IS). The move marks a significant shift in Syria’s post conflict strategy in the northeast, where Kurdish-led forces previously administered the camps.
The camps have long been home to families of IS fighters, including women, children, and some foreign nationals. Officials say that over 28,000 people, including approximately 8,000 foreigners, currently reside in these facilities. Damascus claims the closures are necessary for security stabilization and national reconstruction, citing deteriorating camp conditions and the growing threat of extremist activity.
According to senior Syrian officials, the plan is to evacuate and close both camps within a year, though the precise mechanisms for relocation remain unclear. While Syrian authorities have emphasized security concerns, the humanitarian dimensions are equally pressing, with aid organizations warning that hundreds of vulnerable children and women could face severe hardships if not properly supported.
The al Hol camp, which at its peak sheltered more than 50,000 people, has been a flashpoint for violence and radicalization. The Syrian army has recently declared the area a “closed security zone”, restricting movement to prevent militant activity. Meanwhile, the smaller Roj camp, still under SDF supervision, has experienced tightened security and a reduction in humanitarian access.
A major complication in the closure plan is the presence of foreign nationals, including high-profile cases such as Shamima Begum, the British woman who traveled to Syria to join IS. Many countries remain hesitant to repatriate their citizens due to legal and security concerns, leaving thousands in prolonged uncertainty. Past repatriations have been slow and selective, highlighting the complex balance between justice, security, and humanitarian responsibility.
Human rights organizations stress that children and non-combatants should not be punished for their familial ties to IS fighters. Advocates warn that mass displacements without proper planning could lead to humanitarian crises and increase the risk of radicalization in unsupervised areas.
Inside al Hol and Roj, residents express a mixture of fear, frustration, and cautious hope. Many foreign women hope for amnesty or repatriation, while local families worry about returning to areas devastated by war and lacking basic services. Humanitarian workers continue to push for safeguards, education, and healthcare to prevent a generational impact of trauma and neglect.
The closure of these camps has drawn attention from international and regional actors, who stress the need for coordinated repatriation and legal processing. U.S. and Iraqi officials are simultaneously managing transfers of IS fighters from Syrian detention centers, a process complicated by security concerns and diplomatic negotiations. Analysts warn that failure to manage the closures responsibly could create security vacuums ripe for extremist resurgence.
As Syria moves forward with its plan, the coming months will be critical. Authorities face the dual challenge of ensuring national security while protecting vulnerable civilians, all amid complex international scrutiny. The world is watching to see whether Damascus, regional powers, and foreign governments can collaborate effectively to manage one of the most sensitive chapters in Syria’s post-IS recovery.