Stranded SDF fighters released from ISIS in Syria’s Hasakah

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Heroic stories emerged in the battle of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to repel an attack launched by ISIS sleeper cells on al-Sina’a prison in Guweiran neighborhood in the city of Hasakah, northeast Syria.

On January 20, members of ISIS sleeper cells attacked the al-Sina’a prison that holds thousands of ISIS inmates in an attempt to break out the ISIS detainees out of the prison. 

The attack claimed the lives of a number of SDF fighters and the killing of a large number of ISIS members. Additionally, dozens of the prison staff were stranded inside.

Among those stranded, was Bawer Maesh along with other SDF fighters who were stranded inside the al-Sina’a prison 5 days with food or water.    

Through a smashed window of al-Sina’a prison, Bawer waved the Victory Sign to his SDF comrades, after a military armored vehicle reached the main yard of the prison, in hope of getting help, and not be shot, or seen by ISIS militants.

The locals and activists of northeast Syria reacted to the photo of Bawer which was widely posted on social media, that inspires hope and resistance as was described.   

Bawer Maesh and his companions were besieged for 5 days in small corner beside the most radical organization militants, and no one had known that a group of “captives” were resisting and fighting preventing any ISIS militant to escape and were sniping who was getting out of the prison.  

Bawer was not sure that his comrades recognized him, due to the fumes covered his face and hands, until noticed the military vehicles closed up and his friends called him.