Local authorities in northeastern Syria have announced plans to return 69 families, totaling 254 individuals, who were previously associated with the Islamic State (IS) to Deir ez-Zor province. The repatriation is set to commence on May 8th, with an agreement reached between Kurdish Syrian authorities and Arab tribal leaders in the region.

According to sources from the al-Hol Camp administration, the returnees, originally from Deir ez-Zor, will be reintegrated into society under the supervision of local civil councils and supported by international and local organizations. This marks the first wave of planned returns, with expectations of additional families following suit in the future.

Similarly, in a separate development, a delegation from the Dutch government has agreed with local Kurdish authorities to repatriate two Dutch families from Roj Camp in Hasakeh province. This move reflects ongoing efforts to manage the repatriation of families associated with former IS militants.

The administrations of Camp Hol and Camp Roj, under the supervision of US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), have been actively working to facilitate the return and reintegration of Syrian-origin families into their respective communities. Notably, Camp Hol has already repatriated over 150 families, comprising 557 individuals, back to Deir ez-Zor since October last year.

The camps, previously home to thousands linked to IS, now house a diverse population, with Iraqis constituting the largest nationality among the residents. Negotiations continue at regional and international levels to develop comprehensive plans for repatriation, with a focus on social rehabilitation and psychological support.

Following the defeat of IS in 2019, efforts to address the situation of families linked to the extremist group have been ongoing, with a concerted effort to facilitate their return to normal life.