Iraq announces imminent closure of Al-Hol camp

Iraq's Ministry of Migration and Displaced has announced that Al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria is nearing complete closure. Karim al-Nouri, the ministry's undersecretary, described the camp as a “ticking time bomb” that Iraq has successfully dismantled through repatriation efforts.

Approximately 1,200 Iraqi displaced persons remain in the camp. The ministry reported that 21,000 individuals have already been returned to their home regions. Officials stated that no security breaches have occurred following these returns, which they attribute to successful social and psychological rehabilitation programs.

The closure follows international efforts, including a major conference held at the United Nations in September 2025, aimed at addressing the humanitarian and security challenges posed by the camp and encouraging nations to repatriate their citizens.