Full Breakdown
Syrian Forces Take Control of Al-Aqtan Prison Amid Ongoing Conflict
1/24/2026, 12:25:45 AM
Syrian Government Gains Control of Key Prison
On January 20, 2023, Syrian government forces took control of Al-Aqtan prison, which houses members of the Islamic State group (IS), following the evacuation of nearly 800 Kurdish fighters from the facility. This transfer of power occurred as part of a broader agreement between the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which had been the primary force combating IS in Syria for the past decade. The Syrian Interior Ministry confirmed that the government’s prisons authority is now overseeing the facility, located north of Raqqa, and is reviewing the detainees' files.
This takeover marks the second prison to come under government control after the SDF abandoned it. Earlier in the week, Syrian troops had also entered Shaddadeh prison, where a significant prison break occurred, with reports indicating that 120 IS detainees escaped amid the chaos. While most of these detainees have been recaptured, the situation remains precarious.
Background of the Conflict
The recent developments are rooted in a complex history of negotiations and territorial control in northeastern Syria. A ceasefire was declared on January 17, 2023, following a new agreement signed between interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi. This agreement aims to merge SDF fighters into the Syrian government’s defense and interior ministries. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack stated that the SDF's role as the primary anti-IS force has diminished, as the new government is prepared to assume security responsibilities.
The SDF has faced increasing pressure from Syrian government forces, which have been advancing into areas previously controlled by the SDF. This shift has led to significant humanitarian concerns, with reports of food and fuel shortages in besieged areas like Kobani.
Criticism and Opposition
The SDF has expressed frustration over the perceived abandonment by the U.S. and the international community, accusing the U.S.-led coalition of failing to support them during the government’s advances. SDF spokesperson Farhad Shami criticized the coalition for not intervening despite repeated calls for assistance. The SDF also accused government forces of besieging Al-Aqtan prison and cutting off essential supplies, raising alarms about potential humanitarian repercussions.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the number of detainees who escaped from Shaddadeh prison, with the SDF claiming that around 1,500 IS members fled, while Syrian state media reported that 120 escaped. Additionally, the SDF has accused government-linked groups of facilitating these escapes, while the Syrian government has blamed the SDF for abandoning their posts.
Official Statements and Responses
The Syrian government welcomed the transfer of IS detainees to Iraq, viewing it as a positive step in managing the situation. Meanwhile, U.S. officials have indicated that they are no longer interested in prolonging a separate role for the SDF, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to security in Syria.
What's Next?
As the situation evolves, the focus will remain on the implications of the Syrian government's increasing control over IS detainees and the potential for further clashes between the SDF and government forces. The international community's response to the humanitarian crisis in the region will also be critical in shaping future developments.
