Avinar Derik, a member of the Military Council of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), highlighted the danger posed by the resurgence of ISIS and stated: “The threat posed by ISIS is not only regional but also global. We have repeatedly called for the protection of these camps, which house families affiliated with ISIS from nearly all over the world. Despite our repeated appeals, none of these countries have taken responsibility for their citizens residing in Hol Camp.”

On Friday, the Internal Security Forces for Women in North and East Syria, the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) issued a public statement announcing a security operation to sweep Hol Camp and its surrounding areas to eliminate the movements of hidden ISIS cells. This operation is a continuation of the campaign previously carried out in Roj Camp targeting ISIS sleeper cells. Speaking to the YPJ Press, Avinar Derik explained the purpose of the operation.

“The attacks by the occupying Turkish state reflect the same mentality as ISIS”

Avinar Derik stated that the fascist Turkish state’s attacks are reinforcing the groundwork for ISIS to operate. She said: “This operation we launched today is a continuation of the one carried out in Roj Camp on April 5th. Recently, a fierce war has erupted across Syria, marking a highly critical and challenging historical phase. It is a war of existence or non-existence. Amid the attacks by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkish-backed mercenaries, along with the collapse of the Syrian regime, a vacuum emerged. ISIS sought to exploit this vacuum to reorganize and strengthen itself. Moreover, the Turkish state’s fascist attacks are not detached from the terrorist ideology of ISIS.”

“ISIS indoctrinates children and youth with its jihadist ideology”

Avinar Derik shared information about recent developments in the camp: “According to the information we have, ISIS is training children and youth in its jihadist ideology. Those in the camp who do not adopt this ideology face severe difficulties and are threatened with death by ISIS cells. We launched this operation to counter the terrorist activities carried out by ISIS cells against civilians and our forces. The operation is being carried out by the Internal Security Forces, the Internal Security Forces – Women, the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). We have been engaged in a fierce war for many years and have made great sacrifices in the fight against ISIS mercenaries. The aim of this operation is to prevent the revival and reorganization of ISIS’s ideology in this region.”

“The world does not see itself responsible for ISIS”

Avinar Derik emphasized that the entire international community must assume responsibility in confronting ISIS. She concluded: “Despite all the difficult circumstances, we in the Women’s Protection Units and the Syrian Democratic Forces continue our struggle against ISIS. But this responsibility is not ours alone—it lies with everyone, because the danger of ISIS is not confined to Syrian territory, but threatens the entire world. Through these operations, we are fulfilling our humanitarian and historical duty in the fight against terrorism.”