Shamima Begum, the former British schoolgirl who joined ISIS, is reportedly biding her time with her belongings packed, awaiting a potential opportunity to escape the Al-Roj detention camp in Syria. This comes as Syrian government forces continue their advance into regions previously controlled by Kurdish forces, creating uncertainty and potential openings for detainees.
Life in the Detention Camp
Begum remains one of approximately 2,000 female and child detainees held at the Al-Roj facility, which houses ISIS brides and their families. She is among 15 British or dual-national women still at the camp. Recent observations describe her moving between shuttered market stalls selling food, toys, and scooters while wearing a mask reminiscent of Covid-19 face coverings.
The camp's female manager, Hekemiya Ibrahim, told The Telegraph that Begum rarely speaks or emerges from her tent. "If you ask them where they're going, they might not tell you. But if you look in their tents, you'll see that their bags are packed," Ibrahim revealed, suggesting Begum and others are prepared to flee at a moment's notice.
Geopolitical Shifts Creating Uncertainty
The situation at Al-Roj has become increasingly precarious as Syrian government forces overrun areas containing these tent city camps. While US forces have reportedly begun evacuating around 7,000 male prisoners to Iraq, there has been no contact with American authorities regarding the fate of the women's camp since December.
This military advance has created a complex dynamic within the camp. Some detainees reportedly hope the offensive might create opportunities for escape, while others fear potential reprisals from the new Syrian government, given its historical rivalry with ISIS.
Mixed Sentiments Among Detainees
The camp houses women with varying degrees of radicalization and remorse. One anonymous woman expressed clear regret, telling reporters: "Get me out of here. What we did was a huge mistake. We're willing to accept the consequences, whatever they are."
However, other women remain committed to extremist ideologies. Umm Hamza, an Egyptian woman previously married to an ISIS fighter, warned about dangerous elements within the camp. "There are dangerous women here, those who also caused problems in their home countries. If I go into some parts of the camp, I have to completely cover my face, or they will attack me for being an infidel," she explained.
Communication and Hope for ISIS Revival
Despite their confinement, women at Al-Roj maintain access to contraband telephones, which they use to communicate with ISIS sympathizers worldwide. Many detainees continue to hope for a revival of the extremist Islamist movement, particularly following the collapse of Bashar Al-Assad's regime in 2024.
Begum's situation remains particularly notable given her high-profile status. Stripped of her British citizenship after leaving the UK as a schoolgirl to join ISIS, her case continues to raise complex questions about nationality, security, and rehabilitation.
The advancing Syrian forces and shifting territorial control have created a fluid situation that could potentially alter the fate of Begum and thousands of other detainees in the coming days and weeks.
