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Statement

Statement | Sept. 7, 2022

Statement regarding Syrian Democratic Forces conducting security operations in al-Hol camp

USCENTCOM

Statement from Colonel Joe Buccino, CENTCOM communications director:

For the past two weeks, Syrian Democratic Forces have been conducting security operations in al-Hol displaced persons camp, resulting in the arrest of dozens of ISIS operatives and the dissolution of a major ISIS facilitation network both within the camp and throughout Syria. Additionally, the SDF liberated four women in the camp who were found in tunnels, chained and tortured by ISIS supporters on September 5th, 2022.

The Combined Joint Task Force is heavily involved in advising, assisting, and enabling the Syrian Democratic Forces, who are conducting this operation in coordination with camp administration officials.

This operation will make the camp safer for those residents who remain or wish to return to their countries of origin, but are unable to do so. The SDF will continue its efforts to eliminate the ISIS threat, but it remains critical that the international community support this effort through repatriation.