Violent skirmishes erupted between the Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), specifically near Al-Aqtan prison in Raqqa and Al-Shaddadi in Hasakah, as hundreds of ISIS fighters escaped prison.
The renewed clashes follow a fragile ceasefire agreement signed between Syria’s President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi, which calls for the integration of the Kurdish forces into the state institutions.
Sharaa-Abdi Meeting
The SDF Commander Abdi was supposed to meet with Al-Sharaa on Monday to discuss the ceasefire and integration agreement. However, their talks faltered, according to several media outlets.
The discussions between Al-Sharaa and Abdi were not positive, AFP reported citing a Kurdish source. Similarly, Reuters said that the meeting “didn’t go well.” A source told the news agency that the Kurdish leader is not pleased with the agreement’s terms and needs more time to discuss the matter with his fellow commanders.
According to Al-Jazeera, Abdi asked for five days for consultations, but Al-Sharaa rejected the request, giving the SDF leader until the end of Tuesday.
On Sunday, both sides signed a 14-point Ceasefire and Full Integration Agreement, which calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire across all fronts and contact lines between the Syrian government forces and SDF, in addition to the withdrawal of all SDF forces to the east of the Euphrates River.
Renewed Clashes
Fresh clashes broke out on Monday in northeastern Syria, with the Syrian government and the SDF trading blame. Heavy bombardment was reported in Raqqa on Monday evening, according to AFP. Both sides traded accusations, with the Syrian army saying that the attacks killed three soldiers.
Meanwhile, the SDF accused the government forces of shelling Al-Aqtan Prison north of the city of Raqqa and Al-Shaddadi prison in Hasakah, both holding thousands of ISIS members and leaders, with tanks and artillery, which killed and injured several Kurdish fighters.
Under the ceasefire and integration agreement, the Syrian government will take control of prisons and camps holding Islamic State fighters and affiliated civilians – currently administered by the SDF.
Prison Break
On Monday, the SDF accused the Syrian government forces of launching repeated attacks on the perimeter of Al-Shaddadi prison, south of Al-Hasakah, which holds thousands of ISIS members. As a result, the prison “has fallen outside the control” of the Kurdish-led forces, the SDF said in a statement.
The SDF also reported repeated attacks on Al-Aqtan prison in Raqqa, holding ISIS members and leaders.
On the other hand, the Syrian government accused the SDF of releasing around 120 ISIS prisoners from Al-Shaddadi prison, reported the state-run SANA news agency. In response, the Syrian authorities announced a curfew in Al-Shaddadi.
In a statement, the Syrian Interior Ministry said that “security forces conducted targeted and systematic search operations” across the city and its surrounding areas, resulting in the arrest of 81 escapees while search efforts continue for locating the remaining fugitives.
The SDF controls more than 12 prisons in northeastern Syria, holding an estimated 9,000 of ISIS members.
The Syrian government issued a statement on Monday rejecting any attempts by the Kurdish administration to use the “terrorism file” as a tool for “political or security blackmail.”
Moreover, the government warned the SDF leadership against “reckless steps,” including facilitating the escape of ISIS detainees or opening prisons as an act of retaliation or political pressure.
Stressing Syria’s Unity
Following the eruption of clashes, Al-Sharaa held a phone call with the US President, Donald Trump, to discuss the recent development in Syria, according to SANA. The two leaders stressed the importance of preserving Syria’s territorial unity and independence.
Furthermore, Al-Sharaa and Trump underscored the need to guarantee the rights and protection of the Kurdish people. They also agreed to continue cooperation to combat ISIS and eliminate its threats.
The two leaders expressed a shared aspiration for a strong and unified Syria capable of confronting regional and international challenges.
