In a recent visit to north-east Syria, journalists Michael Safi and Will Christou uncovered the dire situation faced by suspected foreign fighters for Islamic State (IS) who have been imprisoned without charge. The area is controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who are pleading with foreign governments to repatriate their citizens, many of whom deny being IS members.
The journalists spoke to a former British surgeon who claimed he was tricked into crossing into Syria from Turkey, and an Australian prisoner who admitted to being an IS member. The Kurdish forces running the prison are concerned about the presence of IS fighters lurking nearby and carrying out attacks. Two years ago, hundreds died in an attack on the Panorama detention centre and 400 prisoners remain unaccounted for.
The situation is further complicated by the presence of women and children from former IS-controlled territory being held in camps in the area. Many foreign governments have refused to take back their citizens, leaving the Kurdish authorities overwhelmed and fearing for their own security. The Trump administration’s potential withdrawal of US troops from Syria and cuts in USAid funding have only added to the uncertainty.
The organisers of the prison and camps are worried about the increasing vulnerability of the area and are desperately seeking support to prevent a further humanitarian crisis. While some funding has been extended, the duration is uncertain. The global community must address this ongoing crisis to prevent further instability in the region.
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