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Displaced Syrians Heading Home From Notorious al-Hol Camp

Jeff Seldin

   The first Syrians to be released from the al-Hol displaced persons camp
   in the country's northeast are on their way home, raising new questions
   about security and their ability to integrate back into society.

   The Autonomous Administration for North and East Syria (AANES)
   announced the departure of 289 people, mostly women and children,
   earlier this week as part of a renewed effort to clear out the
   overcrowded camp, which at times has been home to more than 70,000
   people, including family members and supporters of the Islamic State
   terror group.

   According to a statement from the Kurdish-led administration, the
   displaced Syrians are expected to return to their homes in al-Sha'fa
   and al-Baguz, in the Deir el-Zour countryside. It also said those
   released "have not been proven involved in hostilities and crimes
   against Syrians."

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