American Officials Express Concern Over Potential ISIS Prison Break in Syria

By Kardo Roj 

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – On Wednesday, U.S. officials voiced serious concerns regarding the potential for a mass prison break involving detained ISIS members in Syria. The detained individuals, numbering in the thousands, are held in facilities located in northern and eastern Syria under the custody of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF serves as a primary partner of the international coalition in the fight against ISIS.

U.S. Officials Warn of “Ticking Time Bomb”

According to a report by Politico, American officials highlighted the precarious security situation in these detention centers. The facilities were initially intended as temporary solutions; however, with home countries refusing to repatriate the fighters, the burden of long-term management has fallen on the SDF.

A senior U.S. counterterrorism official cautioned:

“I usually hate this cliché, but this is the closest thing we have to a ticking time bomb. If Turkey doesn’t get these attacks on the [Syrian Democratic Forces] halted, we could have a massive jailbreak on our hands.”

This statement underscores the heightened risks as Turkey’s military operations against the SDF escalate, potentially undermining the stability and security of these prisons.

Challenges in Managing ISIS Detainees

The SDF currently oversees thousands of ISIS prisoners in facilities that were not designed for prolonged detainment. International coalition partners have repeatedly called for a more sustainable solution, including repatriation or the establishment of international tribunals, but little progress has been made.

The United States has emphasized the need for immediate action to mitigate the risk of large-scale escapes, which could reignite ISIS activities in the region and beyond.