Humanitarian and Security Operation in al-Hol camp continues

The second phase of the “Humanitarian and Security Operation” in al-Hol camp continues. The Anti-Terror Units (YAT) member Zîlan Cûdî gives us information about the operation.

Hasakah-The al-Hol camp hosts 54,390 people, including Syrian, Iraqi refugees and the women of ISIS. However, they have faced the terrorist activities of ISIS in the camp. The people living in the camp, known as one of the most dangerous places in the world, are kidnapped, tortured and killed by ISIS members when they reject the ideology of ISIS. On August 25, the General Command of Internal Security Forces in North and East Syria announced the launch of the second phase of the “Humanitarian and Security Operation” in al-Hol camp to pursue the ISIS cells with the support of the Women’s Defense Units (YPJ), Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Anti-Terror Units (YAT). The second phase of the operation has entered its seventh day.

15 suspects were arrested

On the sixth day of the second phase, 15 people suspected of being ISIS members were arrested. Three tents that were used by ISIS members as training centers and courts were removed. In addition, the Internal Security Forces discovered three tunnels and seized M-16 weapon packs, tools used by ISIS to torture people, smart phones and laptops.  

“We try to create a balance”

YAT fighter Zîlan Cûda told us they act according to the name of the operation. “We attach great importance to the humanitarian aspect of this operation. In some tents, there were disabled women and children. We tried to help them. We also take our security measures. We try to create a balance between both parties (ISIS members and civilians). First, we surround the tents and then search them.” 

Two faces of al-Hol camp

 “We are also very careful about children. If we have something to eat or drink, we give them to children. We also see how some children are affected by the mentality of ISIS,” Zîlan Cûdî told us that al-Hol camp has two faces. “One of the faces of the camp is ISIS members organizing in the camp. The other face is the innocent people living in the camp. There are many wives of ISIS members in the camp. Some of them are held in prison. We try to fulfill our duties and responsibilities here.”