Dozens of IS inmates freed in Shaddadi amid clashes between SDF and Syrian forces

Dozens of inmates from a jail holding Islamic State prisoners were freed in Shaddadi as clashes broke out between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and government-affiliated fighters in north-east Syria. The SDF released videos it said showed IS members being broken out by balaclava‑clad figures and said it lost control of the building after an attack by government‑affiliated fighters that killed or wounded dozens.

The Syrian army confirmed the escape, imposed a total curfew in Shaddadi and denied attacking the jail, blaming the SDF for the escapes and saying it would comb the city for militants. The SDF said the US‑led anti‑IS coalition did not respond to repeated appeals for assistance; US Central Command did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

Fighting was also reported at al‑Aqtan prison in Raqqa, and Kurdish sources said two other facilities there were emptied by local people. Many other IS detainees are held further to the north‑east in Kurdish‑majority areas: al‑Hawl holds an estimated 26,000 people, the smaller Roj camp holds others including Shamima Begum, and about 4,500 men are held at Panorama or Gweiran prisons.

The clashes came less than 24 hours after President Ahmed al‑Sharaa said his government had agreed a ceasefire with the SDF and would move to dismantle the group’s control in the north‑east. It remains unclear who freed the prisoners; the SDF accused "Damascus factions" and said several of its fighters were beheaded.

Key Topics

World, Syrian Democratic Forces, Islamic State, Shaddadi, Syrian Army, Al-hawl