Syrian Army Takes Control of Detention Camp Holding Islamic State Suspects

The Syrian army has taken control of a detention camp holding suspected members and affiliates of the Islamic State group, marking a significant shift in security management in the conflict-scarred country.

According to officials and security sources, Syrian government forces moved into the camp following arrangements that led to the withdrawal of the previous local authority overseeing the facility.

The camp houses thousands of Islamic State suspects, including fighters as well as family members, many of whom have been detained for years since the group’s territorial defeat in Syria.

The takeover comes amid growing concerns over security, overcrowding, and repeated incidents inside detention facilities holding suspected Islamic State members.

Syrian authorities said the move was aimed at restoring order, preventing escape attempts, and strengthening control over individuals considered a continuing security threat.

The detention camp has long been a sensitive issue for regional and international actors, as it includes detainees from multiple countries and has been the site of sporadic unrest, violence, and humanitarian challenges.

The Syrian government has repeatedly argued that managing such facilities requires state authority and international cooperation, particularly regarding the repatriation of foreign nationals.

Observers say the Syrian army’s control of the camp could have broader implications for security arrangements in northeastern Syria, where governance and military control have remained contested since the territorial collapse of the Islamic State.

Humanitarian organizations continue to call for improved living conditions, legal clarity for detainees, and long-term solutions for those held at the site.

Sources: Reuters, Associated Press (AP News), Al Jazeera