AL-HOL CAMP, Syria (AP) — Scores of Syrian women and children linked to the Islamic State group left a sprawling camp in northeast Syria Wednesday and headed home to the eastern province of Deir el-Zour following mediation by tribal leaders.
The latest batch of people to leave al-Hol camp, which houses wives, widows, children and other family members of IS militants, came as repatriations by foreign countries have increased in recent months in an attempt to reduce the population of the facility that at its peak five years ago housed 73,000 people.
Beginning in the early hours of the day, 254 people from 69 families piled their belongings into trucks before climbing on board and moving south under the protection of members of the local U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led police force to their hometowns in Deir el-Zour.
They were the 54th group of Syrians to leave the camp over the past few years and the first in 2024, according to the camp’s director, Jihan Hanan.
Keith Urban is back in Sin City! Country singer announces third Las Vegas residency after 2021 show
China cruises past Mongolia on Asiad men's basketball opening day
Proud of Motherland's Achievements
RJ Barrett helps hurting Raptors past Hornets 111
Fred Sirieix cosies up to his fiancé Fruitcake who wows in a figure
Chinese Children's Books Impress Overseas Readers, Gain Increasing Popularity
Dessert Brand Reveals Sweet Tastes from Hutong
The Met Gala's flowery theme went in all directions
Inheriting Family's Virtues Through Reading
Ole Miss frat boy who made shocking racist gestures towards black female pro
Chinese Children's Books Impress Overseas Readers, Gain Increasing Popularity