Iraqi Ministry Announces Near-Closure of Al-Hol Camp After 21,000 Returns

The Iraqi Ministry of Migration and Displacement has stated that the Al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria is nearing full closure, following the rehabilitation and return of 21,000 displaced Iraqi nationals with no reported security breaches.

Karim Al-Nouri, Deputy Minister of Migration and Displacement, described the Al-Hol camp as a “ticking time bomb” capable of detonating at any moment. He added that Iraq had successfully defused it, leaving only a small number of individuals remaining.

Current population at Al-Hol

Al-Nouri specified that approximately 1,200 displaced Iraqis remain in the camp — a figure he characterized as low.

Rehabilitation and reintegration outcomes

He confirmed that 21,000 displaced persons have been returned to their areas of origin. According to Al-Nouri, this constitutes a large number, and no security violations have been recorded in those areas since their return. He attributed this to the success of social and psychological rehabilitation efforts undertaken for the returnees.

Al-Nouri reiterated that the Al-Hol camp file will be fully closed in the near future.