Syria deal with Kurdish fighters appears to unravel as Islamic State prisoners escape

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by AgenciesJanuary 20, 2026 at 12:22 AM

AI Summary

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Approximately 1,500 Islamic State (ISIS) members escaped from Shaddadi prison in Syria on Monday, according to a Kurdish website report. The Syrian army accused the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) of releasing the prisoners. The prison break occurred a day after a deal between the Syrian government and the SDF was announced, but the agreement appears to be faltering. Clashes erupted between Syrian government forces and Kurdish fighters around two prisons in northeast Syria housing ISIS members, resulting in casualties for the SDF. The SDF issued a call for recruits to resist what they claim is Turkish-directed ISIS resurgence.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Kobani 40% Rudaw 40% Turkey 50% Syrian Army 60% Shaddadi ×270% Syria ×380% Syrian Democratic Forces ×585% Islamic State ×690%

Keywords

islamic state 100% prison escape 90% syria 80% kurdish fighters 80% syrian democratic forces 70% shaddadi prison 70% syrian army 60% clashes 50% deal unraveling 50% resistance 40%