European Officials Warn of Terror Recruitment Risk After Syria Camp Breakout

A confidential European Union document reveals thousands of Islamic State relatives have fled a detention facility in northeastern Syria. Officials worry terrorist organizations may target these escapees for recruitment purposes.

European Union officials are sounding alarms about potential security threats following a massive breakout from a Syrian detention facility housing family members of Islamic State suspects.

A confidential EU document dated February 23 and obtained by Reuters indicates that most detainees have fled the al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria, with their current locations unknown.

“This raises concerns about how terrorist groups might seek to capitalise on the current situation to increase recruitment efforts among escapees,” the internal memo states.

The al-Hol facility, located close to Iraq’s border, served as a primary holding center for family members of suspected ISIS fighters captured during the American-supported military operations against the extremist organization in Syria.

The camp’s oversight shifted dramatically in January when forces loyal to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa seized control from Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who had maintained security at the site for years.

According to official records cited by Reuters, the facility housed 23,407 individuals on the day before the government takeover, including 6,280 foreign nationals representing over 40 countries.

Earlier this month, U.S. military forces completed transferring 5,700 male Islamic State fighters from Syrian prisons to Iraq, though this fell short of the originally planned 7,000 transfers, the EU document notes.

The European memo describes the transition as a “chaotic takeover” that “led to the collapse of security and services in the al-Hol camp, triggering the escape of a significant portion of its population.”

Both the United Nations refugee agency operating in Syria and Syrian government officials “have confirmed that an uncontrolled exodus has occurred over the past few weeks,” according to the document.

Syrian authorities have criticized the SDF for abandoning al-Hol on January 20 without proper coordination. The SDF maintains its forces were “compelled” to retreat from the camp to defend cities facing imminent threats.

A Syrian security official told Reuters that authorities are collaborating with international partners to establish a specialized unit to “pursue those who are wanted.”

Beyond al-Hol, the SDF had overseen multiple detention centers throughout northeastern Syria, including facilities holding thousands of Islamic State militants and a second camp at Roj housing additional jihadist family members.

The EU assessment suggests Damascus has “limited” capability to manage these installations and faces “significant operational challenges.” The memo indicates that recent developments have derailed the government’s plans to gradually close al-Hol camp, creating “grave security concerns.”

Combined, the al-Hol and Roj camps held approximately 25,000 people, mostly women and children, “with many of these being highly radicalised and living in degrading humanitarian and security conditions,” the European document states.

The SDF continues controlling the Roj facility for now. Last week, Kurdish forces released 34 Australian citizens from Roj, though they later returned. Australia has refused to assist Islamic State families seeking repatriation. The Roj camp also houses British-born Shamima Begum.

European officials express “reason for concern regarding the possible escape of families” from Roj once Syrian government forces assume control.

Neither Syria’s Information Ministry nor U.S. Central Command provided immediate responses to requests for comment.