SDF Says Al-Shaddadi Prison No Longer Under Its Control as Fighting Continues

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The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have confirmed that al-Shaddadi prison, which houses thousands of ISIS detainees, is no longer under their control following intense clashes with Damascus-backed factions, while fighting continues near al-Aqtan prison in Raqqa.

In a statement issued Monday evening, the SDF Media Center said al-Shaddadi prison had been subjected to repeated attacks since the morning by factions affiliated with Damascus. The SDF stated that its fighters repelled the assaults several times in an effort to prevent what it described as a potential security catastrophe, sustaining dozens of casualties in the process.

Despite the prison’s location approximately two kilometres from an international coalition base, the SDF said the coalition did not intervene, despite repeated calls for assistance. The statement confirmed that al-Shaddadi prison is now out of the SDF’s control.

Meanwhile, the SDF said clashes around al-Aqtan prison in the city of Raqqa remain ongoing amid what it described as extremely dangerous security conditions. According to the SDF, its forces have been coordinating with the international coalition for the past three days to transfer ISIS detainees from al-Aqtan prison to secure locations, but no practical steps have been taken despite repeated assurances.

The SDF added that Damascus-affiliated factions are launching attacks on al-Aqtan prison, forcing its fighters to remain deployed to protect the facility and prevent a breakdown in security. The clashes have resulted in the deaths of nine SDF fighters and injuries to at least twenty others.

Both situations underscore mounting security challenges surrounding detention facilities holding ISIS prisoners in northeastern Syria, as fighting continues and coordination with international partners remains unresolved.



PUKMEDIA