The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) rejected Damascus's “irresponsible" claims regarding escaping ISIS family members in al-Hol camp, stressing that the withdrawal of their forces was prompted by a military attack and mobilizations by government forces, who also facilitated the release and smuggling of those families.

SDF's response comes after Syrian Interior Ministry spokesman Nour al-Din al-Baba accused the group of paving the way for the mass escape of ISIS women and children from the camp after their withdrawal.

The SDF announced their withdrawal on January 20, citing "international indifference" to ISIS and noting the instability caused by Syrian attacks in the area.

SDF Criticizes Damascus Government for Evading Responsibility

SDF said in a statement that “Our forces and the camp administration fulfilled their duties, moral, and security responsibilities over the years, despite the complexity of this file, the lack of sufficient support, and ongoing security challenges.”

The SDF criticized the Damascus government for evading responsibility and failing to manage al-Hol Camp after forces affiliated with its ministries took control.

Blame Cast on Damascus Factions, ISIS Families with Evidence

The group stated that attacks by Damascus-affiliated factions and ISIS families' incitement forced them to withdraw to prevent the camp from turning into a battlefield.

“Subsequently, those factions entered the camp and began releasing families of ISIS members in front of their own cameras. Smuggling operations continued openly and in a documented manner for more than with the protection of personnel affiliated with the Ministries of Defense and Interior of the Damascus government," the group added.

The SDF said responsibility lies with the authorities in control at the time, backed by audio-visual evidence that can't be erased by misleading media.

Damascus's allegation is “political attempts to mislead public opinion and divert attention from the security and administrative shortcomings," SDF added.

SDF Cites Commitment to Humanitarian and Security Standards 

“Over the past years, our forces have been the most committed party in managing this complex file in accordance with the highest possible humanitarian and security standards," SDF stressed.