Shamima Begum might soon be released from a detention facility in Syria amid ongoing violent conflicts in the northeast region. The 26-year-old, who departed the UK in 2015 at the age of 15 to join ISIS, had her British citizenship revoked and is currently situated in the al-Roj camp.

The Syrian government recently declared a ceasefire with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), gaining near-complete control of the nation and dismantling the Kurdish-led forces that governed the northeast for over a decade. The accord follows escalated tensions between government troops and the SDF, leading to a significant offensive towards the eastern territories.

The SDF has raised concerns that government efforts to take over prisons in the area could trigger severe security issues, jeopardizing stability and potentially allowing a resurgence of chaos and terrorism. Reportedly, there are approximately 10 British men, 20 women, and 40 children held in these facilities.

Begum’s legal representatives have lodged an appeal with the European Court of Human Rights, seeking clarification from the UK regarding her situation. Begum, who left the UK at 15 and lost her citizenship in February 2019 due to national security concerns after being married to an IS fighter, remains in a Syrian camp.

In a document released by the European court in December last year, Begum challenges the decision based on Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits slavery and forced labor. The case was initiated in December 2024 following her unsuccessful attempt to challenge the citizenship revocation at the UK’s Supreme Court.

In response to the court’s inquiry, Birnberg Peirce Solicitors, representing Begum, emphasized the significance of addressing the issues raised in her case and criticized past UK administrations for overlooking crucial considerations. Former attorney general Dominic Grieve has advocated for the UK to take responsibility for Begum.

The SDF has seemingly withdrawn after initial clashes in eastern Aleppo province, following a directive from Syria’s Defence Ministry to cease hostilities on the frontlines. Despite efforts to merge the SDF with Damascus in March, the transition faced setbacks as both sides accused each other of breaching the agreement.

Since the recent developments, the government has largely consolidated control over critical areas like Deir el-Zour and Raqqa provinces, which encompass strategic oil and gas fields, river dams along the Euphrates, and border crossings.