SDF Prisons in Syria: A “Ticking Time Bomb” Named ISIS
In recent developments, American officials have expressed heightened concerns regarding the possibility of a mass escape of ISIS members from prisons under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northeastern Syria, which hold thousands of members of the organization.
Concerns Over a Mass Escape
Intelligence reports published by Politico indicate that U.S. officials are closely monitoring the situation in northeastern Syria. They believe that potential Turkish attacks on SDF areas could deteriorate the security situation, facilitating an escape for ISIS members from these prisons. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also voiced concerns about this scenario potentially leading to a real crisis on the ground in the coming days.
In this context, Syrian military and strategic expert, Brigadier General Asaad Al-Zoubi, told Sky News Arabia, “ISIS has not ended as some claim; it exists in different forms, such as dormant cells that can exploit any chaos to reemerge. Turkish attacks on the SDF might offer a significant opportunity for ISIS members to escape and regroup.”
Security Implications for the Region
The ongoing conflict between the SDF and Turkey-backed factions is weakening the SDF’s capacity to secure these prisons and camps. Journalist Zana Omar from Qamishli argues, “Any attack on the SDF reduces the security pressure on the prisons, thereby easing the movement of ISIS cells.” He added that “ISIS would exploit this chaos to spread again in the region.”
The American Role in the Crisis
Some have questioned the U.S. role in countering ISIS in Syria. Al-Zoubi pointed out that “despite repeated U.S. statements about eliminating ISIS, the support for local forces like the Free Syrian Army has been insufficient.” He criticized that “the U.S.-led coalition was weak in supporting attacks against ISIS, focusing on other objectives.”
Future Threats
The critical question remains about the SDF’s ability to prevent a mass escape of ISIS members if faced with increased pressure from Turkish attacks or internal chaos. Al-Zoubi warned, “If the SDF’s security capabilities are not strengthened, we might witness a strong resurgence of ISIS on the battlefield.”
Based on analyses from military experts and journalists, the threat posed by the escape of ISIS
prisoners from Syrian prisons remains real, especially under current security conditions. The
response to this threat will depend on enhancing security in the region and coordinating efforts
between local and international forces to combat terrorism.
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