Sema
The recent terrorist attack targeting Mar Elias Church in Damascus, carried out by two ISIS operatives who had reportedly escaped from Al-Hol camp in Syria, has raised serious concerns among Iraqi lawmakers and minority advocates.
Dr. Vian Dakhil, former Member of the Iraqi Parliament and prominent Ezidi rights defender, issued a stark warning to the Iraqi government, calling the incident “not just an isolated crime, but a deafening alarm bell.”
“We warn the Iraqi government,” Dr. Dakhil said, “that transferring ISIS elements from Al-Hol camp into Iraq is an extremely dangerous move that could revive the horrors of past violence. Iraq’s vulnerable minorities will be the first to suffer if such policies are pursued without strict safeguards.”
Al-Hol camp, located in northeastern Syria, houses thousands of individuals affiliated with ISIS, including many women and children. Security analysts have repeatedly warned that the camp is a breeding ground for extremism and poses a long-term threat if not properly managed.
Dr. Dakhil’s statement comes amid growing debate over repatriation policies and the future of former ISIS affiliates held in Syria. She urged Iraqi authorities to consider the safety and stability of all communities, particularly religious and ethnic minorities that were previously targeted by the terror group.