In north-east Syria, Kurdish counter-terrorism officials report an increase in attacks by Islamic State (IS) cells. This rise in activity occurs as thousands of suspected IS fighters and their families remain detained indefinitely in prisons and camps across the region. Conditions in these detention facilities and camps vary, with concerns raised about health, radicalization, and the legal status of detainees.
Rising IS Activity
Kurdish counter-terrorism officials have indicated that IS cells in Syria are regrouping and intensifying their attacks in the Kurdish-controlled north-east. Walid Abdul-Basit Sheikh Mousa, 21, was killed in February 2024 while fighting IS. He had joined the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) at the age of 18, after an initial attempt at age 15. His mother, Rojin Mohammed, expressed her grief and called for the complete elimination of IS.
Siyamend Ali, a spokesman for the People's Protection Units (YPG), which forms the backbone of the SDF, reported a "10-fold increase" in IS attacks. He attributed this rise to a security vacuum following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December and the militants' acquisition of weapons from former regime warehouses. Ali stated that IS militants have expanded their operational methods from hit-and-run tactics to attacking checkpoints and planting landmines. In the past year, 30 YPG fighters were killed in operations against IS, and 95 IS militants were captured. The YPG militia is regarded as an ally by the United States in the fight against extremists, while Turkey classifies it as a terrorist group.
Detention of Suspects
Kurdish authorities are detaining approximately 8,000 suspected IS fighters from 48 countries, including the UK, US, Russia, and Australia. These individuals are held indefinitely in a network of prisons in the north-east without having been tried or convicted.
Al-Sina prison in Al Hasakah is the largest facility for IS suspects, characterized by high walls and watchtowers. Detainees observed in cells were described as thin, with shaven heads, wearing brown uniforms, and sitting silently on mattresses. Prison officials stated these men were captured during IS's last stand in Baghouz in March 2019. Tuberculosis is present among the detainees.
An unidentified prison commander reported that IS leaders, referred to as "emirs," maintain influence within the prison wings, issuing fatwas and Sharia lessons.
Detainee Accounts
Hamza Parvez, a detainee from London, confirmed he became an IS fighter at 21 in early 2014, a decision that led to the revocation of his citizenship. When questioned about IS atrocities, he acknowledged "unfortunate" events occurred but stated he was a "normal soldier." Parvez described his current health situation, citing tuberculosis, and requested repatriation to the UK, acknowledging it would be a "huge risk" for authorities to accept his claim that he is no longer a threat.
Mehak Aslam, also from London, is held in Roj camp with her four children, while her husband, Shahan Chaudhary, is in al-Sina prison. Both have had their citizenships revoked. Aslam stated she came to Syria to "bring aid" and denied joining IS, claiming she made a living by "baking cakes." She reported that her eldest daughter died in Baghouz from an explosion. Aslam declined an offer for her children to be repatriated to the UK without her, citing their unfamiliarity with Britain and family there. She stated she was unaware of certain IS atrocities at the time, though she recognized the group as "very extreme." Aslam also claimed to have been targeted as an apostate within the camp, with rocks thrown at her children. Regarding the prospect of an IS caliphate, she said, "Sometimes things are distorted," and that "what we saw was not a true representation, Islamically speaking."
Camps for Families
Approximately 34,000 family members of suspected fighters, including wives and children, are detained in tented camps, which human rights groups characterize as collective punishment and a war crime.
Roj camp, located on the edge of the Syrian desert, houses nine British families, comprising 12 children, according to camp manager Hekmiya Ibrahim. She stated that 75% of the camp's residents still adhere to IS ideology.
Al-Hol camp, described as more radicalized, holds about 6,000 foreign nationals. Armed escorts are provided for visitors due to security concerns. During one visit, women dressed in black robes gathered, one made a throat-slitting gesture, and several children raised an index finger, a gesture associated with IS.
SDF commanders reported that their focus in recent months has been on preventing attempts to break boys out of the camps, referring to them as "cubs of the caliphate."