Syria interior ministry arrests 81 Daesh members who escaped from al-Shaddadi prison

The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced early on Tuesday that it had arrested 81 members of the Islamic State (IS) group who had escaped from al-Shaddadi prison in the countryside of al-Hasakah, following recent clashes with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

In a statement, the ministry said the escape took place at al-Shaddadi prison in rural al-Hasakah, where around 120 IS members reportedly fled, according to one source. The detainees were being held in the prison, which is under the control of the SDF.

The statement added that units of the Syrian Arab Army, accompanied by special forces from the Ministry of Interior, entered the city of al-Shaddadi after the escape incident.

The ministry said the forces immediately carried out organised and thorough search and sweep operations in the city and its surrounding areas to track down the escaped fighters and maintain security and stability.

It confirmed that the operations led to the arrest of 81 of the escapees, while intensive security efforts are continuing to pursue the remaining individuals and take legal action against them in accordance with the law.

The Ministry of Interior also stressed that, in coordination with the Ministry of Defence and the General Intelligence Service, it will continue its national duty to combat terrorism, strengthen security, protect civilians, and preserve overall stability.

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