As Syria’s new government consolidates control after years of conflict, uncertainty surrounds thousands of ISIS-linked women and children in Al-Hawl and Al-Roj camps, complicating already fragile repatriation efforts.
WEBDESK – Act Global Media
As control shifts in northern Syria, the fate of thousands of women and children linked to the Islamic State group hangs in the balance.
For years, the Al-Hawl and Al-Roj detention camps in north-eastern Syria have symbolized the unresolved aftermath of ISIS’s territorial defeat in 2019. At their peak, the two camps housed more than 70,000 people, including the wives and children of suspected ISIS fighters captured or killed during the US-backed campaign against the group.
Now, amid a major power shift following the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, uncertainty is growing over what happens next.
Damascus moves in
After Islamist rebels ousted Assad, Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, moved to consolidate control over Kurdish-held territories. In January, Syrian government forces seized Al-Hawl camp as the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) retreated.
The sudden takeover reportedly led to chaos, with detainees fleeing and aid agencies scaling back operations due to security concerns.
Al-Roj camp, which houses around 2,000 women and children, including dozens of Australians, remains under SDF control for now. But Damascus has signaled plans to close both camps as it centralizes authority.
A brief window for repatriation
As Kurdish authorities lose ground, camp administrators have begun allowing detainees with valid travel documents to leave. Among them are 34 Australians, 11 women, and 23 children, who were issued temporary travel papers.
Their journey stalled this week, however, when Syrian government forces reportedly blocked their convoy from leaving Kurdish-controlled territory, citing coordination issues.
The episode highlights how detainees are caught between competing authorities during a volatile transition of power.
US policy shifts
The United States, which long backed the SDF against ISIS, has recalibrated its approach under President Donald Trump. Washington has warmed to the new Syrian leadership and indicated that Damascus is positioned to assume responsibility for detention facilities.
Trump recently hosted President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House and supported integrating Syria into a renewed anti-ISIS framework.
Political reluctance abroad
Foreign governments, including Australia, continue to face domestic backlash over repatriating citizens linked to ISIS. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the women who travelled to Syria, even as legal obligations to citizens remain in place.
Aid agencies warn conditions in Al-Roj are deteriorating, with shortages of food, water, and medical care. Analysts say Syria’s power reshuffle could either speed up repatriations — or leave thousands trapped in prolonged legal and political limbo.
As Kurdish control fades and Damascus tightens its grip, a narrow opportunity to resolve the long-running “ISIS brides” issue may be closing.
