SDF fighters withdraw from al-Aqtan prison as Damascus takes over
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters began on early Friday withdrawing from al-Aqtan prison in Raqqa governorate, in preparation for the transfer of the facility’s administration to Syria’s transitional government, local sources told North Press.
The move is being carried out under monitoring by the US-led International Coalition, according to the sources, who said the withdrawing fighters are expected to head toward the city of Kobani near the Syrian-Turkish border as part of previously agreed security arrangements.
In a statement carried by state-run Syrian media, the Operations Board at the Ministry of Defense said its units had started relocating SDF personnel from the prison and its surroundings in Raqqa province to the Kobani area. The Board described the step as the first phase in implementing an agreement reached on Jan. 18, which stipulates that the Ministry of Interior will assume administrative responsibility for the prison.
The statement added that army units would escort the departing SDF fighters to the outskirts of Kobani.
Separately, Syrian state television quoted a government source as saying the Ministry of Defense had reached an agreement “under international sponsorship” aimed at reducing tensions and stabilizing control points, within broader efforts to enhance security and stability, particularly in Raqqa governorate.
According to the same source, the agreement provides for the complete evacuation of SDF fighters from al-Aqtan prison and all its facilities. The withdrawal is to be conducted with individual light weapons only and under the supervision of the relevant authorities.
The source said that units from the Ministry of Defense, along with specialized security agencies, would take over the prison, including the section holding detainees from the Islamic State (ISIS), to ensure their management “in accordance with the laws in force in Syria.”
He added that the operation involves around 800 fighters from the formations leaving the site and comes in response to international mediation aimed at preventing military escalation and ensuring a peaceful transfer of administrative and security responsibilities at key locations.
Al-Aqtan prison has been one of several detention facilities in northeast Syria holding suspected ISIS members captured during years of SDF-led operations against the group.