By Dilsoz Youssef/ Samer Yassin
HASAKAH, Syria (North Press) – Residents in the city of Hasakah, northeastern Syria, expressed their concerns over a possible resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS), especially after a rocket targeted al-Sinaa Prison in Guweiran neighborhood in the city.
On Jan. 16, the Media Center of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced that al-Sinaa Prison was attacked with a rocket.
Al-Sinaa prison houses about 3,500 ISIS detainees, and more than 700 minors, also known as Cubs of the Caliphate. It is not the only prison holding ISIS detainees in northeastern Syria.
The SDF stated that the rocket targeted the Cubs of the Caliphate Department in the prison, causing minor injuries among the detainees.
Dozens of ISIS detainees attempted to escape from the prison, but the security measures taken by the SDF and the Internal Security Forces of North and East Syria (Asayish) thwarted the attempt, the statement pointed out.
Earlier, officials of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) warned Turkish airstrikes would cause chaos and riots in prisons holding ISIS detainees.
Hussein Abbar, a resident in Hasakah, believes constant Turkish attacks on infrastructure disrupt services in the region and contribute to a potential resurgence of ISIS.
Abbar told North Press, “Turkish attacks cause terror among people of Northeast Syria. The people want to live in a safe and secure area but Turkey’s attacks destabilize the region and spread panic.”
He stressed that Turkish attacks and the possibility of ISIS’ return after the attack on the prison make it clear that Turkey aims to destroy the area and displace its residents.
Rojin Ali, a resident of Hasakah, said that Turkey aims to revive ISIS, which in turn would create insecurity and instability in the region.
Abdul Samad Omar, a resident of Hasakah, does not hide his fears of the return of ISIS after the recent targeting of al-Sinaa Prison. He urges countries to intervene to halt the Turkish escalation and prevent the resurgence of ISIS.
In the midst of worsening economic conditions, Mahmoud Issa, a resident of Hasakah, expressed that the local population is already grappling with financial hardships. The Turkish attacks and the looming threat of ISIS further exacerbate the suffering experienced by the residents.
The Office of Justice and Reform Affairs of the AANES has warned of the repercussions of the Turkish attacks, saying they could create chaos within prisons housing ISIS militants.
“This Turkish escalation has detrimental effects on various fields, including the security sector. It undermines the rehabilitation process [of ISIS detainees] and the security measures taken to protect prisons and rehabilitation centers,” the Office said in a statement.
Rehabilitation centers and prisons in northeastern Syria house thousands of ISIS militants and their family members.
“The Turkish attacks on our regions pave the way for chaos within prisons and rehabilitation centers,” the statement added.
The Office said that it has observed preparations among ISIS prisoners to take advantage of the chaos created by the Turkish bombardment.
On Jan. 15, AANES official Hassan Kocher said, “The Turkish attacks would result in riots within the prisons of ISIS, for which AANES would not responsible, but rather the [U.S.-led] Global Coalition.”
The Office called on the international community and Coalition forces to be serious in this regard and not to tolerate what the Turkish aggression would create.
The statement emphasized the necessity of concerted efforts to prevent ISIS from exploiting any conditions amid its continuous endeavors to reorganize its ranks.
The Office considered that Turkish attacks continue to create favorable conditions supporting ISIS to achieve its extremist agenda.
Last week, the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) stated that Turkey’s goal through its attacks on northern Syria is to revive ISIS, undermine security and stability, and create chaos in the region.