Children in Syria camp pledge ISIS will return and reclaim power

In northeast Syria, the al Hol camp houses many families associated with ISIS, including a significant number of children who are at risk of radicalization. As of now, over 22,000 children make up more than 60% of the camp's population. The camp has been under the surveillance of the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) for over six years, amid rising threats from ISIS remnants that are attempting to regroup amidst the power vacuum following the fall of the Syrian regime. Kane Ahmed, the commander of the SDF forces in the camp, has alerted authorities about the increasing insecurity within the camp, with reports of daily escape attempts, and illicit activities including weapons smuggling. The hazards of living in the camp are evident in the frequent raids revealing homemade bombs and weapons. Furthermore, the children within the camp express alarming sentiments of loyalty towards ISIS, vocalizing beliefs that they will one day regain control. Their taunts towards the guards reflect an environment where the radical ideology of ISIS persists and influences future generations. The camp officials have raised concerns about the inadequacy of rehabilitation programs available to de-radicalize these youths, pointing out the critical need for psychological support to address the troubling trajectory of the children being targeted as the next 'cubs of the caliphate.' With the ongoing situation and significant external assistance aiding the escape of ISIS affiliates, questions surrounding the fate of ISIS prisoners and their families, as well as the broader implications for regional stability, remain urgent and unresolved.