Overview
- An AFP visit found the sprawling site nearly deserted, with roadblocks now restricting access to the camp area.
- The Syrian Interior Ministry acknowledged collective breakouts after the Kurdish-led SDF withdrew on January 20 under pressure from Damascus, and Syrian forces say they reentered about six hours later.
- Officials described more than 138 openings in the camp’s 17 km wall that enabled large-scale departures of women and children to unknown destinations.
- Human Rights Watch warns the chaotic exits place women and children at serious risk of trafficking, exploitation and recruitment by armed groups.
- The high‑security Annex previously held about 6,500 foreign nationals from 44 countries, the smaller Roj camp remains under Kurdish control, the U.S. has transferred over 5,700 detainees to Iraq, and France says no French nationals are among the escapees.