Syrian prison battle leaves hundreds dead and many IS free

A massive attack on detention facilities in northeastern Syria under US-backed, Kurdish-led forces has ended after almost a week of fighting, though the fate of some hostages remains unclear.
Female members of the Syrian Democratic Forces deploy outside Ghwayran prison in Syria's northeastern city of Hasakeh on January 26, 2022.
Female members of the Syrian Democratic Forces deploy outside Ghwayran prison in Syria's northeastern city of Hasakah on Jan. 26, 2022, following its takeover by and defeat of Islamic State group forces. - AFP via Getty Images
Shelly Kittleson.jpg
Shelly Kittleson
@shellykittleson

BAGHDAD — The “F-16s, tanks and guns” that had resounded for almost a week near the Sinaa prison in Hasakah fell silent after 4 p.m. on Wednesday, a resident of the Gweiran neighborhood told Al-Monitor from the city.

“Thanks to God, it is over,” he said from the Arab district of the mixed Kurdish and Arab city, one of Syria’s 10 largest, in the northeastern part of the country not far from the Iraqi border.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.

Videos

See more