Up to 1,500 jihadists have escaped from prison in Syria, Kurds claim

According to the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), up to 1,500 members of Islamic State escaped from a prison in the town of Shaddadi in northeastern Syria. However, the Syrian Interior Ministry claims that there were 120 people, 81 of whom were subsequently detained.

The incident took place during fierce fighting between the SDF and the Syrian army, which later entered the city. Damascus blamed the Kurdish militias for the escape.

The fighting led to a ceasefire agreement between President Ahmad Shar and SDF commander Mazlum Abdi, according to which the Kurds will withdraw from the provinces of Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor. The Syrian government also promised to take responsibility for IS prisoners.

According to analysts, the Kurdish retreat is the result of a rapid offensive by the Syrian army, which was also supported by local Arab tribes.

Despite the declared ceasefire, clashes continue, with US troops reportedly involved in mediating the negotiations.

(reuters, pir)