Syrian forces hunt for ISIS fugitives after prison break. Here’s what to know
CNN • • nation
Key Points:
- Syrian forces are actively pursuing ISIS fugitives following a prison break in northeastern Syria, where 120 detainees escaped from al-Shaddadi Prison amid government advances against Kurdish forces; 81 have been recaptured so far.
- The Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), previously allied with the US against ISIS, accused the US-led coalition of abandoning them after being pushed out of much of their controlled territory and announced withdrawal from the Al-Hol detention camp due to international neglect.
- The Syrian government, supported by tribal militias, has regained significant territory from the SDF and is prepared to take control of ISIS prisons and camps, while pledging not to enter Kurdish villages during its territorial expansion.
- The SDF and Syrian government blame each other for
