Manama: National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji affirmed that “Al-Hol camp, in northeastern Syria, houses tens of thousands of women and children affiliated with ISIS, and it poses a major challenge and a time bomb.”

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Araji made these remarks during his participation in the 21st Manama Dialogue conference held in the Bahraini capital. He highlighted that these transnational forces represent the greatest challenge facing the region over the past two decades.

Al-Araji explained that Iraq has been at the core of these challenges since 2003, following the emergence of armed groups and terrorist organizations that took advantage of the power vacuum at the time. He noted that ISIS occupied a third of Iraq’s territory in 2014, but the Iraqi people united, with support from the international coalition and friendly nations, to liberate their cities and reaffirm Iraq’s sovereignty and resilience.

He discussed Iraq’s National Security Strategy (2025-2030), which outlines a comprehensive vision to protect the nation’s sovereignty and enhance national security. This strategy focuses on addressing the intellectual, social, and economic root causes of violent extremism leading to terrorism.

Al-Araji emphasized the Security Sector Reform Strategy (2024-2032), which aims to build professional security institutions under the authority of the state and the rule of law. He also mentioned a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy (2026-2030) that positions Iraq as a leader in adopting a scientific and institutional approach to combating terrorism.

Regarding al-Hol camp, Al-Araji reiterated that it poses a significant challenge. Iraq has dealt with the issue responsibly, repatriating thousands of Iraqi families and launching rehabilitation and reintegration programs with support from the United Nations and international organizations.

He acknowledged challenges in areas such as terrorism, cyberspace, and digital media, and presented a vision to confront them. Al-Araji noted that Iraq has emerged more resilient from its experience combating transnational terrorism and emphasized the importance of strategic planning. He asserted that the threat to Baghdad is a threat to other capitals, necessitating international solidarity.

Iraq has expressed its readiness to act as a bridge for regional and international cooperation, sharing its experiences from the fight against terrorism to enhance shared security. Al-Araji concluded that Iraq will remain a committed partner in regional and international efforts to achieve peace and stability, and is focused on building a strong state, fostering peace with its neighbors, and forming constructive global partnerships.