The Syrian Interior Ministry said it is fully ready to take over the management and security of prisons holding Islamic State (IS) detainees in al-Hasakah Governorate (northeastern Syria), in line with “international standards” and in a way that prevents security breaches or escape attempts.
In a statement issued on Monday, 19 January, the ministry said it had formed a joint special force from the Special Tasks Directorate and the Prisons Directorate to take over the prisons, secure their perimeter, and manage operations inside, while preventing infiltration or smuggling attempts.
The ministry also said it is prepared to coordinate directly with the United States as part of joint efforts to prevent the resurgence of terrorism and maintain security and stability in the region.
It held the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) responsible for any escapes or releases of IS detainees from prisons under SDF control, citing what it described as a serious security breach at al-Shaddadi prison.
The Interior Ministry accused the SDF of using the IS detainees issue as political leverage and rejected linking the restoration of state authority to what it called the “prison threat,” saying such attempts only fuel chaos and endanger civilians.
It added that protecting civilians, preserving civil peace, and preventing the return of terrorism are top national priorities amid recent developments in al-Hasakah, and what it described as misinformation and political exploitation of the detainees issue.
The ministry said restoring state institutions and enforcing the rule of law are the only lasting guarantees of security and stability, stressing that Syria remains a partner in international counterterrorism efforts.
Mutual accusations
Enab Baladi’s correspondent in al-Hasakah reported that SDF forces withdrew from al-Shaddadi to al-Hasakah city, accompanied by an International Coalition convoy.
The Syrian army said it had taken control of al-Shaddadi and imposed a curfew while searching for IS members. The army’s Operations Command accused the SDF of releasing a number of detainees from al-Shaddadi prison, saying the army moved in to secure the city and the prison and began sweep operations to search for those who left.
For its part, the SDF said al-Shaddadi prison was no longer under its control after repeated attacks by Syrian government forces. In a statement, it accused the coalition base near the prison, about two kilometers away, of not intervening despite repeated calls.
According to Enab Baladi’s correspondent, only a small number of detainees left the prison, while the army continues to search the area.
The SDF has repeatedly warned about prisons holding thousands of IS detainees as military operations continue in eastern Syria.
Separately, the SDF said it is coordinating with the coalition to transfer IS detainees held in al-Aqtan prison in al-Raqqa (northern Syria) to safer locations, but claimed no practical steps have been taken despite repeated promises.
The SDF added that the Syrian army continues attacks on the prison, while its forces remain deployed to prevent a security breakdown. It said nine of its fighters were killed and 20 others injured, and that clashes around al-Aqtan prison are ongoing under what it described as extremely dangerous conditions.
Syrian Interior Ministry ready to secure prisons holding Islamic State detainees Enab Baladi.
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