Over the course of seven days, the joint forces of the “Enduring Security” Operations Room, composed of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Internal Security Forces, and led by the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) and the Women’s Internal Security Forces, conducted a wide-ranging sweep and search operation across the southern and northern countryside of Al-Hol region and its camp. This included precise security operations targeting ISIS terrorist cells’ hideouts in these areas.
The operations proceeded on two main axes. During the first two days, over 200 villages in the southern and northern countryside were swept, including 70 km from the Iraqi-Syrian border and the adjacent desert areas. This was followed by inspection operations in Al-Hol Camp and within the town itself, with participation from 5,000 fighters from the joint forces, supported by the International Coalition.
In addition to primary sweep operations, the forces raided more than 60 locations and hideouts belonging to terrorist cells within and outside the sweep areas in al-Hol, Tel Hamis, Tel Kocher’s countryside, and east of Hasakah.
Since the beginning of the operation, the forces involved in Operation “Enduring Security” have shown a clear commitment to ensuring all conditions needed to achieve the operation’s planned objectives, especially in eradicating terrorism hideouts and dismantling its supportive environment. This contributes to a high level of security in the region, positively impacting the lives and livelihoods of the local population. Achieving this required considerable efforts and sacrifices from the operation’s forces, who have affirmed their readiness to continue this path without hesitation in the upcoming period.
As sweeping and inspection operations moved into Al-Hol Camp, which lasted five days, noticeable security and organizational improvements were observed within the camp. These improvements are attributed to previous security and humanitarian efforts by the security forces and camp administration. However, ISIS continued attempts to reorganize itself both inside and outside the camp, planning attacks and attempting to rebuild its “Female Hisbah” and “Cubs of the Caliphate” apparatus. These efforts failed due to ongoing security operations by our forces.
Given the significance of Al-Hol Camp, which houses 40,000 ISIS families and other displaced persons, this operation was essential to ensure security, protect residents’ lives, and prevent ISIS from accessing the camp. This operation supports the shared struggle against terrorism. As part of this, the entire camp, especially the “Migrant Women” section—on which ISIS relies for re-establishing its structure within the camp—was swept. The level of brutality and extremism among ISIS families was evident, particularly in the torture and murder of a woman whose body was hidden. Her remains were uncovered based on a confession from one of the women involved in the torture.
Alongside these inspection operations, the forces conducted a census, verified residents’ records, and addressed any discrepancies regarding false names and identities.
As a result of the security and military operations in the northern and southern countryside, as well as Al-Hol town and its camp, Operation “Enduring Security” forces detained 79 ISIS operatives, seized a large cache of weapons, including bombs and mines, and investigated 17 women involved in torture and assisting terrorist cells. Additionally, many electronic devices used to facilitate communication between ISIS cells and their collaborators in the camp were confiscated, along with ISIS flags and symbols.
This operation had been postponed multiple times due to repeated Turkish occupation attacks before and during the operation. It was clear that these blatant attacks aimed to obstruct the operation for Turkey’s own objectives.
The forces involved in the operation, who demonstrated high professionalism and responsibility in inspection and pursuit efforts, express their gratitude to the local population, who showed respect and cooperation with the forces. They reaffirm their constant commitment to protecting the residents, ensuring stability, and firmly addressing any security breaches by ISIS or other criminal elements. They also extend thanks to the International Coalition for its support and assistance throughout all stages of the operation.
We urge the international community to assume its responsibilities towards Al-Hol Camp residents and provide sufficient support to security forces, service, and administrative institutions in North and East Syria. This will help meet all needs, free from politicization and traditional approaches in dealing with displaced persons and migrants in the region.
“Enduring Security” Operations Room
November 12, 2024
