DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria - Seven Syrian families from Deir ez-Zor were released from al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria (Rojava) on Wednesday to return to their place of origin following an agreement between the Kurdish administration and tribal chiefs. The group totalled to 27 people, including 13 children.

According to Munir Mohammad, an official overseeing the process of releasing camp residents, 62 more families were expected to return to Deir ez-Zor on Wednesday, but due to tensions between security forces in the camp and the families, the process stopped. It is not clear what caused the tension. This is the 19th time that residents of Syrian and Iraqi nationality have been allowed to leave the camp.

The camp was opened in 2016 to house the families of Islamic State militants that were fleeing the fighting and seeking refuge in areas under Kurdish administration. As of Wednesday, there are 58,965 people still living in the camp, the majority of whom are Syrians and Iraqis.