Al-Hawl camp sees riots and escape attempts as Syrian forces take control

Syrian government forces entered the al-Hawl detention camp after Kurdish guards withdrew, and residents reported riots, fires and attempts to breach the camp perimeter; NGOs and many staff pulled out and basic services were disrupted. The International Coalition announced plans to move more than 7,000 people with IS links to Iraq.

Syrian government forces took control of the al-Hawl detention camp in north-east Syria after Kurdish guards withdrew. The arrival of Damascus-aligned fighters came as the government advanced through territory long held by Kurdish authorities. Camp residents and staff described riots, a bakery set on fire and attempts by some women and children to cut fencing and leave. Many NGOs and camp workers withdrew and residents reported shortages of food and water. Recent developments: - Syrian government forces entered al-Hawl after Kurdish guards withdrew, according to reports. - Residents described riots, a bakery set alight, and attempts by some women and children to breach the camp perimeter. - NGOs and many camp staff pulled out, and residents reported interruptions to food and water supplies. - The International Coalition said it would move more than 7,000 people with IS links to Iraq, and Damascus has appealed to international organisations to return and restart services. Summary: The takeover has left al-Hawl in a tense and disrupted state, with basic services interrupted and movements of residents reported. Authorities and the International Coalition have announced actions and appealed for aid organisations to resume work. The longer-term handling of foreign detainees and the camp's overall status remain undetermined at this time.