UN Takes Charge of Al-Hol Camp Amid Rising Tensions

Tue Feb 03 2026 15:55:19 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The United Nations is set to manage the al-Hol camp in Syria, where thousands linked to the Islamic State have been housed, following unrest caused by the withdrawal of Kurdish forces.

In a crucial move, the United Nations will take over the management of the al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria, following an escalation of unrest as Kurdish forces withdraw. This shift comes after thousands of residents attempted to breach camp perimeters, leading to violence and chaos, prompting humanitarian groups to suspend operations. With Syrian government forces now controlling much of the area, conditions remain tense, and a ceasefire has been established. The UN aims to restore order and ensure the continued support of vulnerable populations trapped in the camp.

The United Nations (UN) says it will take over management of a camp in north-eastern Syria holding thousands of people with alleged links to the jihadist group Islamic State (IS).

This decision follows the Kurdish-led forces' withdrawal from the camp, which triggered unrest and forced aid agencies to suspend their operations after some residents attempted to flee.

UN official Edem Wosornu briefed the UN Security Council, stating that UNHCR has taken charge of the al-Hol camp and is coordinating with Syrian authorities to restore humanitarian access, though the situation remains tense.

Additionally, the US is transferring up to 7,000 suspected IS fighters from prisons in northeast Syria to Iraq, a move welcomed by the Syrian government despite concerns about detainee treatment.