The Kurdish-led administration in northeast Syria, known as Rojava, announced on Thursday that it is facilitating the “voluntary return” of Syrians housed in the infamous al-Hol camp back to their hometowns.

“We open the door for the voluntary return of Syrians in Al-Hol camp to their areas with full support,” stated the Democratic Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria (DAANES).

Al-Hol camp, located in Syria’s Hasaka province, houses approximately 40,000 individuals linked to the Islamic State (ISIS), including Iraqis and Syrians. The camp has gained notoriety for its dire living conditions and has been described as a potential breeding ground for extremist ideologies since ISIS was defeated in 2019.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which administers the region, has emphasized that ongoing attacks from Turkish-backed Syrian militia groups, collectively known as the Syrian National Army (SNA), have undermined their ability to conduct effective operations against ISIS. The SDF has cited escalating hostilities in key areas such as Kobane and the Tishreen Dam as major disruptions.

In its statement, DAANES also called on the United Nations to ensure the safe return of displaced people from Afrin, Ras al-Ain (Sare Kani), and Tal Abyad (Gire Spi), regions captured by Turkey during its 2019 military offensive against the SDF. The campaign was halted following a ceasefire mediated by the United States and Russia.

Kurdish authorities have repeatedly appealed to the international community to repatriate foreign nationals detained in al-Hol, but these calls have largely gone unanswered due to widespread security concerns.

The announcement highlights ongoing tensions and humanitarian challenges in northeastern Syria, as the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of ISIS and external military interventions.