Hol Camp, located in North and East Syria, has long been considered one of the most dangerous places in the world due to the persistent threat posed by ISIS mercenaries. According to data from the camp authorities, there are 10,084 families currently living in the camp. These include 9 families of unknown nationality, 3,829 Iraqi families, 4,351 Syrian families, and 1,895 families of foreign origin. The total population of the camp stands at 35,323 individuals, consisting of 9 people of unknown nationality, 13,124 Iraqis, 15,805 Syrians and 6,385 foreigners.

Since 28 March 2021, the Internal Security Forces of North and East Syria, the Internal Security Forces – Women, the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) and the Syrian Democratic Forces have carried out multiple operations in and around the camp in an effort to dismantle ISIS mercenary activity. In the first operation, 125 ISIS mercenaries were captured; in the second, 226; in the third, 85; and in the fourth, 79. Women from the Yazidi (Êzidî) community who were rescued by the Women's Protection Units became a symbol of hope during these operations.

The most recent operation, launched on 18 April 2025, was initiated as a preventive response to increasing ISIS mercenary activity. On the second day of the operation, 16 ISIS mercenaries were captured and weapons and ammunition were seized.

First operation: 125 ISIS mercenaries captured

On 28 March 2021, the Internal Security Forces, with the support of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the YPJ and People's Protection Units (YPG), launched the first phase of the “Humanitarian and Security Operation” in Hol Camp. This phase was successfully completed after five days. Despite limited resources, more than 5,000 personnel took part in the operation, which aimed to counter the threat posed by ISIS mercenaries, a global terrorist force operating inside the camp.

Hol Camp, known as one of the most dangerous camps in the world, was home to more than 60,000 people from 57 different countries, the majority of whom were families of ISIS mercenaries. ISIS members had infiltrated the camp disguised as civilians and were attempting to reorganize and plan global terror attacks. Since the beginning of 2021, more than 47 murders had been committed inside the camp, highlighting the severity of the threat.

The operation was launched with the objectives of ensuring the safety of camp residents, improving humanitarian conditions, and preventing the ISIS mercenaries from carrying out terrorist activities. Special care was taken to protect children from exposure to their radical ideology. Over the course of five days, the forces acted professionally and implemented all necessary security measures. As a result of the operation, a total of 125 ISIS mercenary cells were captured, including 15 women and 20 individuals accused of murders inside the camp. In addition, military equipment and electronic devices used in the production of mines were seized during search and clearance operations.

Second operation against ISIS mercenaries in Hol Camp: 226 captured

The second phase of the “Humanitarian and Security Operation” targeting ISIS mercenary cells in Hol Camp began on 25 August 2022 and was completed 24 days later. Hol Camp had become a strategic center that ISIS aimed to bring under its control. The group’s cells spread fear among camp residents through torture, murder and threats. In 2022 alone, ISIS mercenaries were responsible for the deaths of 44 people inside the camp. They specifically targeted women and children, seeking to turn the camp into a base of operations.

It was documented that ISIS was training children under the age of eight through a network called “Ashbal al-Khilafah (Eşbal El Xilafê)” and was coercing women into joining their ranks through threats. The increase in activity following the attack on Sina'a Prison once again exposed the depth of coordination between these cells both inside and outside the camp.

Results of the operation

As part of the operation, 226 ISIS mercenaries, including 36 women, were captured for their involvement in acts of murder and torture. Security was provided for many individuals who had been targeted for execution by ISIS. Tents used to spread the group’s ideology were dismantled, and those responsible for the “Hisba Women” and “Ashbal al-Khilafah” units were apprehended.

Additionally, 25 tunnels and trenches were discovered. The weapons and materials seized included 3 AK-47 rifles, 2 RPG launchers, 2 pistols, 25 hand grenades, 25 kilograms of TNT explosives, 11 silenced weapons, 388 AK-47 bullets, 10 AK-47 magazines, 9 assault vests, bladed weapons and various communication devices.

The operation also exposed the financial network behind the ISIS mercenary cells. It was revealed that members of the Behar Organization were involved in arms and money smuggling, that weapons were being smuggled from Baghouz (Baxoz) into the camp via women and children, and that some residents were being threatened into compliance by the militants.

Major success by YPJ: Yazidi women rescued

In the course of the operation, the YPJ rescued two Yazidi women from the hands of ISIS mercenaries. Four other women, who had been chained and tortured by female ISIS mercenaries, were also liberated. Over the past four years, the YPJ has rescued more than 200 Yazidi women.

Humanitarian efforts and provocations

Throughout the operation, the forces ensured the continued delivery of humanitarian aid and provided additional support to families in need. Although the provocations by female ISIS mercenaries and attempts by militants to disguise themselves as women made the operation more difficult, the forces acted professionally and successfully thwarted these efforts.

 Third operation: 85 ISIS mercenaries captured

Led by the Internal Security Forces of North and East Syria, the SDF and the YPJ, and supported by the International Coalition, the third phase of the Humanitarian and Security Operation in Hol Camp was launched on 27 January 2024 and successfully concluded on 6 February 2024.

Results of the operation

The ten-day operation was carried out meticulously across all sections of the camp, with the forces adhering to humanitarian principles and prioritizing the safety of the residents. During the operation, 85 ISIS mercenaries and collaborators were captured. Seized materials included 8 Kalashnikov rifles, 4 mines, 2 explosive devices, 7 hand grenades, 25 other weapons, 1 Browning bullet, a large quantity of ammunition, military equipment and a small amount of narcotics. Five tunnels used by ISIS were also destroyed.

Abu Sufyan al-Hebi, who had been coordinating terrorist activities inside and outside the camp, was killed along with another militant. Abu Abdulhamid, who issued fatwas to intimidate residents through threats and murder, was captured. In a special operation, the YPJ rescued a Yazidi woman named Kovan Êdo Xorto, who had been abducted by ISIS from the village of Herdan in Shengal.

The threat of ISIS inside the camp

The statement emphasized that ISIS’s radical ideology was being systematically spread throughout the camp, with a particular focus on indoctrinating children. The mercenaries were targeting children to create a new generation, while using threats and murders to intimidate other residents. The discovery of handmade weapons, explosives and tunnels revealed that ISIS was preparing to take control of the camp.

Operation against ISIS in Hol Camp and surrounding areas: 79 captured

The SDF, the Internal Security Forces, the YPJ and the Internal Security Forces – Women successfully completed the “Permanent Security Operation” launched on 6 November 2024 in and around Hol Camp. The operation, supported by the International Coalition and carried out with the participation of five thousand fighters, involved extensive search and control missions in both the city of Hol and the camp itself.

ISIS reorganization efforts thwarted

Hol Camp, home to nearly 40,000 people, was known as a center heavily populated by families of ISIS mercenaries. The group had attempted to reorganize both inside and outside the camp, aiming to revive structures such as the “Hisba Women” and “Ashbal al-Khilafah.” However, the determined operations of the security forces rendered these efforts unsuccessful.

It was revealed during the operation that ISIS mercenaries were continuing to carry out acts of brutality and extremism within the camp. Female ISIS mercenaries confessed that a woman had been tortured to death and her body buried, exposing the ongoing horrors within the camp.

Results of the operation

As part of the operation, 79 ISIS mercenary cells were dismantled, and 17 women involved in torture and terrorist activities were taken in for interrogation. Explosives, ammunition, numerous weapons, ISIS symbols and flags, as well as electronic devices used for communication between the group’s cells were seized. In addition, more than 60 hideouts used by the mercenaries were destroyed in Hol, Til Hemis, Til Koçer, and the eastern countryside of Hesekê. Security forces also eliminated violations involving the use of false names and fake identification documents.

Turkish state's attacks delayed the operation

The operation was postponed several times due to the Turkish state's attacks in the region. Nevertheless, the security forces, acting with a high level of professionalism and the support of the local population, successfully completed the mission. Attempts by ISIS mercenaries and other criminal elements to undermine security were forcefully repelled. The operation significantly improved security in and around Hol Camp, positively impacting the lives of residents and delivering a heavy blow to ISIS’s campaign of brutality and extremism. The security forces announced that the camp had been completely cleared, with the dismantling of organized cells, particularly in the “Muhajirat” section.

New security operation launched against ISIS mercenaries in Hol Camp

The Internal Security Forces, SDF, YPJ, and the Internal Security Forces – Women announced the launch of a new security operation against ISIS mercenary cells in Hol Camp on 18 April 2025. In its statement, the Internal Security Forces noted that recent political and military developments in the region had led to increased ISIS activity. The mercenaries have been attempting to take advantage of the instability, intensifying their efforts to reorganize and carrying out attempted kidnappings inside Hol Camp. As the camp, home to tens of thousands of ISIS families, is seen as a potential hub for future threats, the suspension of international aid has further deepened instability and humanitarian crises. ISIS mercenaries continue to indoctrinate children with radical ideologies and have launched attacks on humanitarian aid centers. The operation was launched as a preventive measure in response to these threats identified by the security forces. Its primary aim is to prevent potential ISIS attacks both inside and outside the camp and to disrupt the organization’s efforts to regroup. The operation, which is being conducted in accordance with humanitarian and military principles, is expected to contribute to the protection of regional stability and the elimination of global terror threats.

What happened on the second day?

According to the Internal Security Forces, searches carried out in and around Hol Camp led to the capture of 16 ISIS mercenaries, along with the seizure of 3 Kalashnikov rifles, 2 pistols and a large quantity of ammunition. The operation is continuing at full scale.