Concerns over north-east Syria security amid fears IS militants could re-emerge

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Dan Sabbagh Defence and security editorJanuary 21, 2026 at 08:20 PM

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long article 4 min

Western officials are concerned about the deteriorating security situation in north-east Syria and the potential re-emergence of ISIS militants following recent shifts in control. The US military has moved 150 ISIS fighters from a prison in Hasakah province to Iraq, with plans to relocate up to 7,000. Recent advances by Syrian government forces and a fragile ceasefire have resulted in prisons holding ISIS fighters and camps housing ISIS women and children changing hands, leading to chaotic conditions. Reports indicate that some detainees may have escaped, raising anxieties in Europe. Humanitarian organizations have been unable to access the al-Hawl camp, home to over 20,000 women and children, since Sunday, increasing concerns about instability.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Europe 30% Damascus 40% UK ×240% Shamima Begum ×240% Syrian Democratic Forces 40% Iraq 50% Hasakah province 50% Al-Hawl camp ×360% United States 60% Syria ×780% Islamic State ×690%

Keywords

islamic state militants 90% north-east syria security 90% is fighters 80% camps 70% prisons 70% syrian government forces 60% kurdish forces 60% re-emerge 50% al-hawl camp 50% humanitarian organizations 40%