Kurdish-led forces report clashes with Syrian army at prison holding IS inmates

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Lorenzo Tondo in Jerusalem and Dan Sabbagh in LondonJanuary 19, 2026 at 03:46 PM

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Clashes have erupted between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Syrian government forces near al-Aqtan prison in Raqqa, Syria, where Islamic State (IS) detainees are held. This development follows Syria's announcement of a ceasefire agreement with the SDF and plans to dismantle the group's control in the northeast. The SDF warns that the clashes threaten stability and could allow for a resurgence of IS. The Syrian army reported casualties, blaming "terrorist groups" for disrupting the ceasefire implementation. The agreement stipulates that the Syrian government will assume responsibility for IS prisoners and camps previously managed by the SDF, raising concerns about the fate of thousands of IS detainees, including foreign nationals, held in various facilities. The situation is further complicated by the scaling back of US troops who previously supported the Kurdish forces.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Shamima Begum 30% United Kingdom (UK) 40% al-Hawl 40% United States ×250% Ahmad al-Sharaa 50% Syrian Army ×270% Raqqa ×470% Islamic State (IS) ×680% Syria ×490% Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) ×690%

Keywords

islamic state 90% syrian democratic forces 90% prison 80% syrian army 70% clashes 70% detainees 70% ceasefire 60% raqqa 60% terrorism 50% al-hawl camp 40%