Baghdad, February 23 (QNA) - Iraqi authorities announced on Monday the full dismantling of al-Hol Camp, located near Syrian Iraqi border.
Strategic Affairs Adviser at Iraq's National Security Advisory, Saeed Al Jiyashi, said in a press statement that the advisory body had addressed the issue of al-Hol camp at an early stage. More than 5,600 families, totaling around 22,000 individuals, have been transferred from the camp, he noted, adding that the remaining number is very small and will be relocated later.
He explained that the transfer of families was carried out under legal, security and humanitarian procedures overseen by the National Security Advisory in coordination with other groups.
Al Jiyashi added that four international, national and governmental technical teams are overseeing families' cases. One team is headed by the Supreme Judicial Council, while others are led by the Ministry of Migration and the Ministry of Labor, each according to its specialization. These include teams dedicated to child welfare, legal matters, rehabilitation and reintegration, with what he described as positive results so far.
In March 2025, Iraq's National Security Adviser, Qasim al Araji, called during a meeting at the United Nations headquarters in Iraq for countries worldwide to repatriate their nationals from al-Hol camp as a step toward closing it.
Al-Hol had been home to about 29,000 Iraqis out of roughly 70,000 residents in total. The United Nations previously urged governments to repatriate their citizens or residents from the camp, while ensuring appropriate measures for justice and accountability in line with international law, along with community reintegration programs for those found not guilty of any crimes.
Located on the southern outskirts of al-Hol town in Syria's northeastern Hasakah province, near the Iraqi border, the camp had for years housed families of fighters from so-called Islamic State (ISIS). (QNA)