Fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the People’s and Women’s Defense Units (YPG and YPJ), and the Anti-Terror Units, had been guarding the Al-Aqtan Prison in Raqqa, which houses high-ranling ISIS members, against attacks by jihadist HTS government forces and Turkish combat drones. After several days of siege and heavy shelling, during which the so-called Syrian transitional government cut off water, electricity, and food supplies, the SDF units began retreating from the prison this morning after days of resistance and prevention of all escape attempts by ISIS militants.
Al-Aqtan prison is considered one of the most heavily secured facilities for high-ranking ISIS members in northern and eastern Syria. Since Sunday, it had been under heavy fire from regime militias, and a Turkish drone strike was also documented. For days, the fighters prevented the approximately 2,000 imprisoned ISIS terrorists from escaping. According to consistent media reports, the SDF had been waiting for a commitment from the international ISIS coalition to take over security of the prison, which is now under the control of regime troops.
In a statement earlier today, the SDF announced that they had completed the process of transporting their fighters tasked with protecting the Al-Aqtan Prison with the help of the International Coalition.
SDF, YPG and YPJ fighters have arrived in Kobane city today. They were welcomed by the people with applause and slogans.