In the complex mosaic of the new Syria, the old battle against the group calling itself Islamic State (IS) continues in the Kurdish-controlled north-east. It's a conflict that has slipped from the headlines - with bigger wars elsewhere.
Kurdish counter-terrorism officials have told the BBC that IS cells in Syria are regrouping and increasing their attacks. There has been a reported ten-fold increase in their operations, taking advantage of the security vacuum following the recent political changes in Syria.
The situation has left Kurdish authorities in control of large numbers of suspected IS fighters—around 8,000—along with their families, totaling about 34,000 individuals, most of whom live in camps facing severe humanitarian challenges. These facilities, such as al-Sina, remain overcrowded and heavily surveilled, yet issues of disease like tuberculosis plague the detainees.
Detainees include men from various countries who claim they were part of IS for a variety of reasons, though many express regret and a desire for their countries to take them back. For families living in the camp, such as that of Londoner Mehak Aslam, complex feelings abound about their pasts and current situation—torn between the oppressive conditions of the camp and their previous affiliations.
Analysts highlight that this revival of IS poses serious implications not only for Syria but for global security, given the ongoing ideological influence among jailed fighters and their families, with concerns that future generations may emerge radicalized from within these camps.
