In a significant move aimed at addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the war-torn region, Iraq has repatriated more than 600 individuals from the notorious Al-Hol camp in northeast Syria. The camp, known for housing tens of thousands of Islamic State (ISIS) affiliates, has long been regarded as a breeding ground for extremism and a ticking time bomb by authorities.

Ali Abbas, spokesperson for Iraq’s Ministry of Migration and Displaced, confirmed the repatriation effort, stating that 159 Iraqi families comprising 622 people were returned from Al-Hol camp on Saturday evening. The repatriated individuals will be temporarily resettled in Al-Jada camp, located in Iraq’s northern Nineveh province. Here, they will undergo preparation for reintegration into their communities before being returned to their respective homes.

Al-Hol camp, situated in northeast Syria’s Hasaka province, has gained notoriety for its association with ISIS-linked individuals, numbering over 50,000. While the majority of residents are Syrian and Iraqi, the camp also hosts individuals from various parts of the world.

Despite efforts to repatriate citizens, the move has encountered resistance within Iraq, particularly from tribes reluctant to accept individuals associated with ISIS. The group perpetrated egregious human rights abuses and war crimes during its control over vast territories from 2014 to 2017.

Iraq's National Security Advisor, Qasim al-Araji, recently disclosed that nearly 2,000 families, totaling over 7,500 people, have been repatriated from Al-Hol camp since the beginning of March. The repatriation process underscores Iraq's commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis and mitigating the security risks posed by the lingering presence of ISIS-linked individuals in the region.