Dialogos

Syrian Interior Ministry Takes Control of Prison Holding ISIS Detainees

Published January 23, 2026, 14:04
Syrian Interior Ministry Takes Control of Prison Holding ISIS Detainees

The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced it has taken control of the al-Aktan prison in the city of Raqqa, previously managed by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The prison holds detainees affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS). This takeover follows an integration agreement transferring responsibility for ISIS prisons to the Syrian government. Simultaneously, the US is transferring approximately 7,000 ISIS detainees from Syrian prisons to Iraq, due to security concerns following the recent escape of around 200 fighters from the Sadani prison. The SDF warn that the government forces' takeover of the prison could lead to instability and a return of terrorism to the region.