Damascus, Jan. 19 (SANA) The Ministry of Interior said in a statement Monday that protecting citizens and ensuring public order, along with preventing the resurgence of terrorism, are national priorities, particularly following recent developments in Hasakah province and accompanying SDF media manipulation and political exploitation of ISIS prisoners.
According to the ministry, in line with its constitutional and legal responsibilities, it is fully prepared to assume management and security of ISIS prisons in Hasakah province, applying international standards to prevent security breaches or escape attempts. The ministry also confirmed its readiness for direct coordination with the U.S. as part of joint efforts to prevent terrorism’s return and ensure regional stability.
The Interior Ministry held the SDF fully responsible for any escapes or releases of ISIS members from facilities under their control, specifically citing the al-Shaddadi prison incident as a “serious security violation threatening Syrian, regional, and international security.”
A special joint force composed of the Ministry’s Special Tasks Department and Prison Administration has been readied to take over the prisons, secure the surrounding areas, and manage internal operations under the highest custody and surveillance standards to prevent infiltration or smuggling attempts.
The ministry reiterated its rejection of attempts by the SDF to use ISIS prisoners as a political bargaining tool against Syria or to link state sovereignty and law enforcement to “prison threat,” labeling such efforts as exposed and counterproductive to civilian security.
It concluded by emphasizing that restoring legitimate state institutions and enforcing the rule of law are the only permanent guarantees of security and stability, noting Syria’s active role in international counterterrorism efforts under any pretext.
Earlier Monday, the Syrian Arab Army entered al-Shaddadi town in southern Hasakah after SDF forces released ISIS members from the prison there. The army also began deploying across the Syrian Jazira region to secure the area under an agreement with the SDF.
