SDF Withdraws from al-Hol Camp as IS Prisoners Escape

Did the world abandon Kurdish forces, or did they deliberately abandon their posts to allow IS prisoners to escape?

7 days ago·Updated 6 days ago

SDF Withdraws from al-Hol Camp as IS Prisoners Escape

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Above: Members of the Kurdish Internal Security Forces, known as "Asayish," and local residents demonstrate in Qamishli against the Syrian government on Jan. 18. Image credit: Delil Souleiman/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

Syrian government forces successfully restored state control over detention facilities after Kurdish forces deliberately abandoned their posts, enabling IS prisoners to escape. Damascus demonstrated readiness to assume security responsibilities and recaptured most escapees, while the U.S. correctly recognized that the SDF's purpose had expired now that Syria has a functioning central government committed to fighting IS through proper state institutions rather than separatist militias.

The Times Ynet

Narrative B

The international community abandoned Kurdish forces who fought IS for years, forcing them to withdraw from critical detention facilities as Damascus seized control. Kurdish troops protected tens of thousands of IS detainees and their families for over a decade with minimal global support, yet when Syrian government forces advanced, the world stood silent and left the SDF with no choice but to redeploy to defend Kurdish cities facing existential threats.

Kurdistan24

Mario Nawfal on X