Clashes Erupt Around Syrian Prisons Holding Islamic State Fighters

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Christina GoldbaumJanuary 19, 2026 at 07:33 PM

AI Summary

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Clashes erupted around two prisons in northeastern Syria on Monday, a day after the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) agreed to transfer control of prisons holding approximately 8,000 Islamic State fighters to the Syrian government. The agreement aimed to end weeks of conflict between the SDF and the Syrian government, with the SDF integrating into the national military and ceding control of security infrastructure. However, the recent clashes near al-Shaddadi and al-Aqtan prisons highlight the fragility of the deal. The Syrian government accused the SDF of releasing ISIS detainees, while the SDF blamed armed groups affiliated with Damascus for attacking the prisons. Syrian officials claim to have regained control of al-Shaddadi prison and are working to rearrest the released prisoners.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

SANA 30% Damascus 30% Raqqa ×240% al-Aqtan prison 40% Gweiran Prison 50% al-Shaddadi prison ×250% Hasakah province ×260% Syria ×275% Syrian Government ×480% Syrian Democratic Forces (S.D.F.) ×885% Islamic State ×690%

Keywords

islamic state fighters 90% syrian prisons 90% kurdish-led militia 80% syrian democratic forces 80% clashes 70% syrian government 70% security agreement 60% hasakah province 50% al-shaddadi prison 50% raqqa 40%