Syrian police arrest dozens of ISIS inmates after mass prison break

On January 19 evening, the Syrian Interior Ministry said that its forces had detained 81 ISIS militants who escaped from the al-Shaddadi prison in the southern part of the northeastern Hasakah province, which is controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

A statement published on the ministry’s Telegram channel said the escape led to the release of about 120 ISIS prisoners, citing a source within security agencies. The inmates were held in the al-Shaddadi prison, which is managed by the SDF,  Caliber.Az reports via Syrian state media.

The ministry stated that units of the Syrian Arab Army, supported by Interior Ministry special forces, entered the city of al-Shaddadi after the incident. Security forces carried out “targeted and systematic” search operations throughout the city and surrounding areas to track down the escapees and restore order.

The ministry added that 81 people were arrested during the operations and said efforts to capture the remaining fugitives are continuing. It also noted that the ministry is coordinating with the Defence Ministry and the General Intelligence Directorate as part of broader measures to fight terrorism, maintain public order, and ensure stability.

By Khagan Isayev