Syria: Following SDF Release, 81 ISIS Prisoners Recaptured
According to the Syrian Interior Ministry, government forces carried out extensive search and sweep operations, resulting in the arrest of 81 ISIS members released by SDF.
Clashes continue between the Syrian army and YPG, operating under the name SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) who refuse to hand over Aktan Prison, in Syria’s Raqqa province on January 19, 2026. Photo by Anadolu Images.
S
yrian authorities announced Tuesday that security forces have recaptured 81 ISIS (Daesh) detainees after their release by Syria Democratic Forces (SDF) from al-Shaddadi prison in the northeastern province of Hasakah, as operations continue to locate the remaining fugitives.
In a statement, Syria’s Interior Ministry said that a total of 120 ISIS detainees were released from the prison by the YPG/SDF, a terrorist organization fighting in Syria. Following the incident, units of the Syrian Army and special operations forces affiliated with the Interior Ministry were deployed to the city of al-Shaddadi.
According to the ministry, government forces carried out extensive search and sweep operations in and around the city, resulting in the arrest of 81 ISIS members. “The search for the remaining ISIS elements is ongoing,” the statement said.
YPG/SDF responsible for the release
The Interior Ministry held the YPG/SDF responsible for the release of the detainees, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to security and stability in northeastern Syria.
The development comes just days after Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa announced a comprehensive ceasefire and a framework agreement for the full integration of the SDF into Syrian state institutions. Under the agreement, SDF military formations are to withdraw to areas east of the Euphrates River, while administrative and security control of Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor provinces is to be transferred to the Syrian state.
The deal also includes the integration of SDF military and security personnel into the Ministries of Defense and Interior following individual security vetting, as well as the handover of border crossings, oil and gas fields, and civilian institutions to government control.
The agreement followed a recent military operation by the Syrian Army, during which government forces regained significant territory in eastern and northeastern Syria. Damascus said the operation was launched after repeated violations by the SDF of previous agreements signed nearly a year ago.
Syrian authorities emphasized that efforts to pursue remaining ISIS detainees will continue, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining security amid the ongoing political and military developments in the region.
(Source: Anadolu)
