Iraq calls on USA to hold international conference on Al-Hol camp
Part of the Al-Hol camp located in the Syrian countryside of Al-Hasakah, near the Iraqi border. Photo: Sputnik
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi National Security Adviser, Qasim Al-Araji, called for an international conference on the Al-Hol camp in Syria before the end of 2023, according to a statement cited by Alsumaria News.
Al-Araji met on Saturday with the US Ambassador to Iraq, Alina Romanowski, where they discussed the latest regional and international political and security developments.
The Iraqi National Security Adviser called on the United States to support a proposal to hold an international conference on the Al-Hol camp before the end of this year.
The Iraqi official discussed with Romanowski several issues of common interest, including the Al-Hol camp issue, the importance of returning foreigners to their home countries, cooperation in combating terrorism, and promoting relations between Iraq and the United States.
Al-Araji stressed that the consistent approach of the Iraqi government is represented in its continued cooperation with the international community to enhance security and stability in the Middle East region.
The Iraqi official added that Iraq’s policy is based on common interests and balanced relations with other countries.
The US Ambassador to Iraq confirmed that the United States will continue to support the Iraqi government in combating terrorism and drugs, in addition to humanitarian issues, especially the integration and psychological rehabilitation team of the Iraqi Ministry of Migration and Displaced.
The Al-Hol camp is located in the Syrian countryside of Al-Hasakah, near the Iraqi border, and is under the control of the US army and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
According to the United Nations, more than 55,000 people live in the Al-Hol refugee camp, located less than 10 kilometers from the Iraqi borders.
In addition to foreign families of militants, estimated at about 10,000 people, the camp also shelters families of displaced Syrians and Iraqis, some of whom are still in contact with ISIS.
In 2014, the terrorist group of ISIS took control of large areas in Iraq and Syria before being defeated in 2017.
More than five million Iraqis had to flee the governorates of Nineveh, Salah al-Din, parts of Kirkuk, Diyala, and Anbar because of ISIS control over these areas in 2014.