In a significant development for regional security dynamics, Syrian government forces have formally taken control of a major detention facility housing members of the Islamic State group. This strategic move follows the evacuation of hundreds of Kurdish fighters from the area, executed as part of a recently brokered agreement.
Government Assumes Authority Over Key Detention Centre
Syria's Interior Ministry confirmed in an official statement that the government's prisons authority is now administering al-Aqtan prison, located north of the northern city of Raqqa. The ministry further announced that a comprehensive review of all detainee files is currently underway. This transfer of authority represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing reconfiguration of security responsibilities within the region.
A Pattern of Prison Transfers Emerges
Al-Aqtan prison is the second such facility to come under direct Syrian government control this week. This follows the entry of troops into Shaddadeh prison near the Iraqi border on Monday. That earlier transfer was marred by significant chaos, during which approximately 120 IS detainees managed to escape. State media has reported that the majority of these escapees have since been recaptured.
The assumption of control over al-Aqtan occurs just two days after the United States military disclosed it had initiated the transfer of some detainees from the vast network of SDF-controlled prisons in northeast Syria. These facilities collectively hold around 9,000 individuals linked to the Islamic State.
Historical Context and Recent Offensive
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Kurdish-led coalition, served as the principal ground force combating IS in Syria for the past decade. Their campaign culminated in March 2019 with the capture of the last territorial stronghold held by the extremist group. The subsequent detention of thousands of suspected fighters and their family members created a complex and volatile humanitarian and security challenge.
The capture of al-Aqtan prison was preceded by a two-week military offensive against the SDF, during which government forces encircled the facility. Raqqa governor Abdul-Rahman Salama estimated the prison population at up to 2,000 individuals, though the precise number confirmed to have IS links remains unclear.
Negotiated Withdrawal and High-Level Inspection
Following days of negotiations, a deal was finalised to open a secure corridor, allowing nearly 800 SDF fighters to withdraw westward towards the Kobani region, which remains under the control of the U.S.-backed group. The SDF stated that, with coalition support, it had successfully relocated its personnel assigned to securing the prison to safe locations.
In a demonstration of the new administration's oversight, Deputy Interior Minister Maj. Gen. Abdul-Qader Tahan conducted a visit to al-Aqtan prison on Friday. State television reported that his inspection focused on assessing both the conditions of the detention centre and the welfare of the detainees.
Broader Regional Implications and Diplomatic Moves
The government's push into northeast Syria in early January triggered the displacement of thousands of residents, predominantly Kurds, into Hassakeh province. A fragile four-day ceasefire was declared on Tuesday night, following the collapse of several previous truces.
These security shifts are underpinned by a broader political agreement. A deal signed by interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi outlines the eventual merger of the U.S.-backed force into Syria's defence and interior ministries.
U.S. envoy Tom Barrack reinforced this transition in a statement, noting that the SDF's role as Syria's primary anti-IS force "has largely expired" given the new government's stated willingness to assume security duties. Barrack emphasised that Washington has no interest in prolonging a separate SDF security role.
In a related diplomatic development, U.S. and Iraqi officials confirmed on Wednesday that Iraq had formally requested the transfer of IS detainees to its jurisdiction, a proposal which Washington has accepted. The Syrian government has publicly welcomed this prisoner transfer agreement, stating it will facilitate the overall management process.
