IS Prisoners Escape Syrian Jail Amid Clashes in Northeast
More than 100 Islamic State detainees have escaped from a prison in northeastern Syria following violent clashes, raising new security concerns, according to media reports. The breakout occurred in the town of Shaddadi amid fighting that followed an agreement for Kurdish-led forces to withdraw from key provinces.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said armed men attacked the facility, allowing IS prisoners to flee after the group lost control of the jail. Syrian authorities confirmed the escape, imposed a curfew in Shaddadi and blamed the SDF, while denying any role in the assault.
Official figures on the number of escapees differ sharply. Syria’s interior ministry said about 120 prisoners escaped, while the SDF claimed the number could be as high as 1,500. Security forces said dozens had been recaptured, with search operations continuing across the area.
The incident came shortly after President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a ceasefire with the SDF and plans to dismantle its long-standing control over northeastern Syria. The developments have raised doubts over the ability of Kurdish forces to secure prisons and camps holding thousands of suspected IS supporters.
Many foreign detainees remain held in camps and prisons across the region, including women and children. Human rights groups renewed calls for countries to repatriate their nationals, warning that instability could worsen. The agreement between Damascus and the SDF foresees Syrian authorities assuming responsibility for detention facilities, though mistrust remains high.
