Notorious Syrian Camp Linked to Alleged IS Families Empties Out

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A notorious camp in Syria that once housed tens of thousands of women and children with alleged ties to the Islamic State group has been emptied out, officials reported. The departure of the last convoy marks the end of the camp, which had become a symbol of the lingering aftermath of the militant group's collapse.

Why it matters

The camp's closure represents a significant milestone in Syria's efforts to deal with the legacy of the Islamic State group, which at its height controlled large swaths of territory in Syria and Iraq. The camp housed family members of suspected IS fighters, many of whom were forcibly brought there as the militant group's strongholds crumbled.

The details

The camp, known as al-Hol, held around 50,000 people at its peak in 2019. Most of the residents were women and children who had fled or been evacuated from territories controlled by IS. The camp became notorious for its dire humanitarian conditions and the presence of die-hard IS supporters who tried to impose their extremist ideology on others.

• The last convoy of residents departed the camp on February 22, 2026.