ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Saturday ended an operation inside the notorious al-Hol camp in Hasaka province which lasted for nearly a month. Over 200 people were detained in the raids, according to the SDF. The SDF launched the second phase of Operation Humanity and Security in al-Hol camp on August 25 following reports of violence and the presence of the Islamic State (ISIS) sleeper cells in the camp. The SDF announced the end of the phase during a press conference on Saturday. The Kurdish forces were able to arrest 226 people, “including 36 extremist women involved in murder and terrorism offenses,” said the SDF in a statement, adding that “25 tunnels and trenches were uncovered.” Various types of weapons were confiscated in the operation as well. However, the SDF also said that “our forces will continue to hunt down the potential cells, confronting dangers by conducting regular security operations when necessary.” The head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) made his first public visit to al-Hol camp on September 9, warning against the radicalization of children and the deteriorating humanitarian conditions of all residents. About 56,000 people live in al-Hol camp, with 90 percent of them being women and children. Many of them are families of ISIS fighters.
