CENTCOM: Iraq Repatriates Over 25,000 Citizens from al-Hol Camp
Welat TV – Erbil
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that Iraq’s accelerated efforts to repatriate its citizens from camps in Syria reflect a firm commitment to the enduring defeat of ISIS and the restoration of stability in the region.
In a statement on Friday, August 15, 2025, CENTCOM said that Iraq has repatriated “more than 25,000 citizens from al-Hol and Roj camps in northeastern Syria” in recent years, noting that 2024 alone witnessed a 165% increase in returns compared to the previous year.
The statement highlighted that this development resulted in the return of nearly 80% of Iraqis who had previously resided in al-Hol camp, calling it a pivotal step in reducing the risk of extremist recruitment and closing one of the key files linked to the post-ISIS phase.
CENTCOM stressed that these achievements reflect Iraq’s central role as a key partner with the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, emphasizing that joint efforts enhance Iraq’s national security and support regional stability, ensuring a safer future for all.
Iraq Seeks to Close the al-Hol File
Earlier this month, Iraq’s National Security Adviser Qassim al-Araji said that the issue of al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria was nearing completion, noting ongoing efforts to press other countries to repatriate their nationals in preparation for closing the camp.
Al-Araji added that the number of Iraqis remaining in the camp has become very small, pointing to coordination with the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expedite the repatriation process.
At the end of last month, 233 Iraqi families left the camp under a government plan to bring citizens back from al-Hol.
U.S. Calls on Countries to Repatriate Nationals
The United States continues to urge countries to repatriate their citizens from al-Hol and Roj camps. Iraq and the camp administration, under the sponsorship of the U.S.-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, agreed to transfer Iraqi citizens out of the camps.
This has resulted in multiple convoys transporting Iraqi families from the two camps to Jadaa Camp in Mosul, escorted by coalition forces. Meanwhile, the repatriation of Syrian citizens to their areas of origin also continues, coordinated between al-Hol administration and the United Nations.
Al-Hol and Roj Camps According to UN estimates, around 9,000 ISIS-affiliated men remain in detention without trial, including 1,500 from roughly 50 countries. About 42,500 people, mostly women and children, are still living in al-Hol and Roj camps.
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Iraq Seeks to Close al-Hol File, Urges Countries to Repatriate Their Nationals
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