The Kurdish armored vehicle we’re traveling in is relentless in its bombardment of stones and rocks. Yet, this marks an improvement.

The soldiers we are with endure much worse. Regular instances of stabbing and bombing by ISIS families are reported from the sprawling detention camps of northeast Syria.

For over six years, Kurdish troops have been guarding these camps, which are packed with ISIS relatives.

However, with the removal of the Syrian dictator Bashar al Assad, attacks in and around the camps have more than doubled.

Commander Kane Ahmed of the Syrian Democratic Forces’ (SDF) troops for al Hol Camp told us: “The threat of ISIS has increased, both inside and outside the camp… especially after the fall of the Syrian regime, attacks have significantly increased and we witness near-daily attempts to escape.”

He showed us the perimeter fence, which has been repeatedly fortified. “It’s not secure enough,” he said.

The troops monitor these camps through three CCTV rooms operating around the clock and often conduct raids based on intelligence about IS activities.

“We are aware they are receiving aid from outside IS cells, which smuggle weapons inside and assist in smuggling people out,” the commander stated.

Delivery trucks have been used to smuggle detainees out through hollowed-out seats. Waterways have been converted into escape routes for children.

“They are recruited by ISIS as the next generation of the caliphate,” the commander warned.

The camp authorities have long been warning about the lack of rehabilitation facilities and psychological support to de-radicalize these children.

Over 60% of those in Al Hol are children – 22,000 of them. Many have been born there and are unaware of life beyond their confined existence.

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These children are distrustful of outsiders and throw stones at the troops and us from a distance, also attempting to kick our cameras.

We are provided with armed soldiers who escort us around the camp, and we are instructed to wear protective vests and helmets.

“You will be attacked,” the camp management tells us. Raids on tents often result in the discovery of homemade bombs, firearms, grenades, and knives.

The troops direct their firearms at the crowds of children who gather around us to taunt their guards.

“We will behead you,” they declare. “One day we will be in charge. ISIS is returning.”

A woman at the camp, dressed in a burqa, tells us: “We love the Islamic State. We were free with them. Here, we are captives.”

The recent agreement between the Kurdish-led SDF and Syria’s interim president is seen as a breakthrough in terms of improving relations between the Kurdish minority in the northeast and the new Islamist authorities.

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However, the question of what will happen to the ISIS prisoners and their families remains. ISIS is exploiting the power vacuum to regroup and grow.

The SDF commander warns: “We need help to control ISIS from the international coalition. We cannot manage this on our own.”

Alex Crawford files this report from northeast Syria, accompanied by cameraman Jake Britton, senior specialist producer Chris Cunningham, and producers Fahad Fattah and Fazel Hawramy.