International human rights organizations and families of detainees are expressing grave concerns following the United States’ announcement of a large-scale prisoner transfer operation from Syrian detention facilities to Iraqi-controlled sites. US Central Command confirmed the initial relocation of 150 prisoners from Hasakah province to Iraq, with plans to potentially transfer up to 7,000 individuals suspected of Islamic State affiliations.
The security transition coincides with Syrian government forces assuming control of al-Hol camp, housing approximately 24,000 predominantly women and children, including 14,500 Syrians and nearly 3,000 Iraqis. This development has severely disrupted already tenuous communication channels between detainees and their families abroad.
Yasmina, representing the Families in Belgium organization, reported complete communication blackout for over a week. ‘We did not anticipate such volatility,’ she stated, noting regular disruptions to water and electricity supplies in the facilities. While al-Roj camp’s transition appeared peaceful according to eyewitness accounts, Western families remain uncertain about their relatives’ fates, with transfers potentially prioritizing local nationals.
Humanitarian organizations highlight particular vulnerability among separated children. Save the Children has suspended non-essential operations in northeastern Syria, citing deteriorating security conditions affecting approximately 20,000 children in displacement camps and rehabilitation centers. The organization emphasized constrained humanitarian access and limited clarity regarding internal camp conditions.
Families of detainees have characterized the transfers as ‘extraordinary rendition.’ Sally Lane, mother of imprisoned British-Canadian Jack Letts, described the situation as ‘an absolute crisis’ emerging from ‘ten years of inertia.’ Canadian advocacy groups are urging immediate repatriation of remaining nationals, warning of potential torture risks in Iraqi facilities.
A Syrian government official confirmed camp security stabilization with priorities focused on restoring essential services and infrastructure. The official committed to permitting UN agency and NGO access while emphasizing non-politicization of detainee issues, despite previous diplomatic discussions regarding repatriation with visiting foreign ministers.