The Internal Security Forces, Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched ‘Operation Enduring Security’ to search the Hol camp and its surroundings. The operation aims to pursue ISIS remnants and collaborators within the camp and secure the rural areas near the camp.

A press statement was made in Hol Camp regarding the operation. YPJ Press Officer Rûken Cemal and Internal Security Forces Management Member Qehreman Murad read the statement in Kurdish and Arabic, which said the following:

“Over the past year, ISIS terrorist cells have intensified attacks and movements in and around the al-Hol camp, particularly in the southern and northern countryside of Hol town. These cells have carried out numerous terrorist attacks against the camp IDPs and security forces and planned other attacks that were thwarted and their operatives were captured.

In response, our forces have conducted more intensive preemptive operations and sustained pressure on ISIS terrorist cells. This has yielded significant results, including the elimination of many cells and their leaders, and the prevention of attacks on security and stability, as well as on the people and the military and security forces.

Given the importance of the Hol camp and ISIS prisons, which hold ISIS detainees, ISIS has repeatedly attempted to reach the camp and mobilize its cells. The desert and remote areas in the countryside of Hol and Shaddadi have served as a hub for terrorist operations and the planning of attacks on camps and prisons. This has coincided with the movements of terrorist cells in and around the camp, as well as multiple escape attempts and efforts to sow chaos within certain sectors of the camp to distract the security forces responsible for its security.

With the world’s attention focused on multiple wars in the Middle East, the possibility of ISIS resurgence remains a real threat, especially in remote areas where ISIS often resorts to planning attacks on prisons and camps. ISIS’ goal is to reunite its elements with their families and revive their terrorist acts. This year has witnessed numerous attempts by ISIS to reach the Hol camp and prisons holding ISIS detainees in north and eastern Syria, which ISIS considers crucial strategic targets that are fueled by its propaganda.

In response to this threat, our forces, who have demonstrated professionalism and dedication in countering the plans of ISIS terrorist cells, remain committed to pursuing ISIS and eradicating the sources of terrorism.

As a continuation of our ongoing struggle, and with the support and assistance of the international coalition forces, we announce today the launch of Operation Enduring Security to search the Hol camp and its surroundings. The operation aims to pursue ISIS remnants and collaborators within the camp and secure the rural areas near the camp.

This operation is based on information and confessions obtained from ISIS elements captured during previous operations, which indicate the resurgence of terrorist cell activity in desert areas and their planning of attacks. The treacherous attack on an Internal Security Forces patrol on the Hol-Shaddadi road on September 26, which resulted in the martyrdom of three members, serves as a stark reminder that ISIS terrorism continues to pose a threat to the region, and the necessary to initiate a large-scale operation to pursue and eliminate terrorist cells.

On this basis, the forces of Operation Enduring Security, comprising the Internal Security Forces, Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reaffirm their determination to ensure the success of the operation and strengthen the fight against ISIS to protect the region from attempts to undermine security and stability.”