The anti-ISIS operation in the northern Syrian refugee and internment camp Hol continues on the third day. So far, 32 jihadists, including five IS commanders, have been arrested.

The situation at Hol Camp, where tens of thousands of prisoners from ISIS are held alongside refugees seeking protection from Iraq, has deteriorated over the past few weeks and months. The camp, which was already know as the “new capital of ISIS”, became a place of horror with ISIS carrying out killings almost daily. The large-scale operation against the ISIS structures in the camp, which is occupied by over 62,000 people, continues today on the third day. In addition to internal security forces, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the people's and women's defense units YPG and YPJ are also participating in the “Humanitarian and Security operation”. After the search of the 1st sector of the camp, the 2nd sector is to be checked today. 6,000 members of the security forces are participating in the operation.

Within the first two days, 32 ISIS members, including five high-ranking commanders, were captured. In addition, a tunnel was discovered and military uniforms and technical equipment were confiscated.

Refugee: "The operation was long overdue"

The operation was received positively among refugees in the camp, as reported by ANHA news agency, that spoke with some residents of the camp. Khalaf Abud, an Iraqi refugee, said: “We want to be safe here. The terrible crimes carried out here have made us deeply insecure. The operation of the Internal Security Forces reassures us. The operation is an absolute necessity to make life safe here in the camp."

Issam Mahmoud added: “We came here because of the war in Iraq. We don't want any more war or death. After the operation, I hope that the camp will be a safe place. Our only problem was the security of the camp. I believe that this will be resolved with this operation."

Iraqi asylum seekers are stuck in Syria

The Iraqi asylum seekers are stuck in Hol Camp as the Iraqi government refuses to take them back. The Iraqi Interior Ministry justifies its refusal with concerns that ISIS jihadists might be hiding among the Iraqi refugees.