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Transcript/ScriptSyria Nationals al-Hol - Omer
HEADLINE: Al-Hol Camp: Syrians Face Uncertain Future Amidst Security Risks and International Concerns
TEASER:
PUBLISHED AT: (DATE & TIME)
BYLINE: Zana Omer
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Al-Hol, Syria
VIDEOGRAPHER: Zana Omer
VIDEO EDITOR: Zana Omer
SCRIPT EDITORS: KEnochs; caw
VIDEO SOURCE (S): VOA Original | VOA Kurdish Service
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _x_ RADIO __
TRT: 1:53
VID APPROVED BY: KE
TYPE:
EDITOR NOTES:))
((SEND SCRIPT BACK TO BEZHAN HAMDARD ONLY AND COPY TO HFR PLEASE))
((INTRO)) [[Thousands of Syrians are being held in northeastern Syria at the al-Hol detention camp that also hosts families of Islamic State fighters. Local officials say none of them can leave the notorious camp without international intervention. Zana Omer has the story, narrated by Sirwan Kajjo.]]
((NARRATOR))
Al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria is home to nearly 48,000 people who are either families of Islamic State fighters or lived under the rule of the terror group when it controlled parts of Syria and Iraq.
The camp is under the control of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, or the SDF. While these people come from dozens of countries, most of them are Iraqi and Syrian nationals. Camp officials say at least 16,000 Syrians are here in al-Hol.
Local authorities have released many Syrian nationals from the camp over the years, but say it is a bigger challenge to return those who lived in areas controlled by Syrian government forces.
((Cihan Hanan, Camp Official)) ((Female in Kurdish)) TC: 0:35 – 0:55
“For these people to be able to return to their original places, there must be an international protection. The United Nations’ refugee agency needs to work with the Syrian government to ensure these people go back to their homes.”
((NARRATOR))
Even if going home was currently an option, the Syrians held at the camp believe returning to government-controlled areas could be dangerous.
((Sufian, a Camp Resident)) ((Male in Arabic – Only audio for security reasons)) TC: 1:12 – 1:23
“Having lived in al-Hol camp, if we go back, the government would either arrest us or enlist us for military conscription, because they will accuse us of being affiliated with the Islamic State.”
((NARRATOR))
The United Nations says the camp has become notorious for its violence and radicalization.
Last month, SDF forces carried out a major security campaign inside the camp that was supported by the U.S.-led coalition. At least 85 individuals suspected of operating on behalf of IS were detained in the operation.
((For Zana Omer in al-Hol, Syria, Sirwan Kajjo, VOA News))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
Subtitles / Dubbing AvailableNo
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateFebruary 28, 2024 15:47 EST
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
