The security operation launched by the Internal Security Forces against ISIS cells in Hol Camp in North-East Syria on April 18 continues on its fourth day. The SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) and YPJ (Women’s Protection Units) are also taking part in the operation, which aims to restore security in Hol Camp, one of the most dangerous locations in the region.

As many as 35,323 people are living in Hol Camp, 13,124 of whom are Iraqi migrants. The majority of the camp's inhabitants is made up of the families of ISIS mercenaries. ISIS members are constantly trying to remain active in the camp and organize children with radical ideas.

The forces partaking in the operation are working hard to restore peace in and around the camp. So far, at least 17 ISIS members, some of whom were involved in attacks against the population, have been captured. A large amount of ammunition has also been seized.

According to authorities, the latest man to be arrested is 40-year-old Iraqi Ibrahim Abid Abdullah, known by the alias “Abu al-Azra.” Abdullah is believed to be responsible for numerous crimes within the camp and is said to have played a central role in the ideological indoctrination and military training of newly recruited ISIS members.

Abdullah comes from a family with close ties to the al-Qaeda terrorist network. According to the Internal Security Forces, his brother Ahmed Abdullah was initially active in al-Qaeda before joining ISIS and was later killed in an anti-terrorist operation by the SDF in Deir ez-Zor. He himself joined ISIS in 2015 and quickly rose through the ranks, particularly as a trainer.

During the height of ISIS, Abdullah is believed to have operated between Syria and Iraq. After the territorial collapse of the so-called caliphate, he fled with his family to Hol Camp in 2019, where he registered as a refugee and concealed his true identity.

He continued his radicalizing activities in the camp and, according to security forces, was also involved in the murder of a man named “Abu Ibrahim,” who had allegedly come into conflict with other ISIS groups in the camp. During the ongoing security operation, investigators were able to uncover the true identity of Ibrahim Abid Abdullah. He was arrested on the fourth day of the operation. According to security forces, the investigation is ongoing.