A look at the ISIS-held positions
Up to 5,000 ISIS members and their families remain in the ISIS-held pocket near the Syrian town of Bahuz in the Euphrates Valley, according to the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Additionally to this, the US-backed group provided the following numbers to AFP:
- More than 66,000 people, mostly civilians, have quit the ISIS-held area since January 9. They include 37,000 civilians, 5,000 terrorists and around 24,000 of their relatives;
- 520 ISIS fighters have been captured in SDF operations.
Earlier today #Baghouz ,last stronghold of ISIS in Syria pic.twitter.com/pcwi6oavy9
— Mutlu Civiroglu (@mutludc) March 18, 2019
The ‘civilians’ and ‘ISIS members’ captured by the SDF are being moved towards SDF-run camps in northeastern Syria. The main camp of this type is located in Al-Hol. According to reports, about 70,000 people, including ISIS-linked persons, are located there.
Even the mainstream media is forced to admit dire humanitarian condictions and a lack of security in these camps. More than 123 people, including many children, have died on the way or shortly after arriving at Al-Hol, according to the International Rescue Committee.
