U.S.-backed SDF forces and the Syrian government have traded blame over the escape Monday of ISIS members from the Shaddedeh prison on the border with Iraq.

U.S. forces moved 150 ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraq as CENTCOM began a transfer operation involving up to 7,000 radical prisoners.

Syria's government forces have taken control of a prison housing Islamic State group members in the country's north.

As fighting in north-eastern Syria between government forces and Kurdish fighters was easing, concerns were growing on Wednesday about an escalation in neighbouring Iraq. Troops of interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's government have captured territory held by the the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF),

The near collapse of the U.S.’s Kurdish allies has prompted the Pentagon to question the benefits of stationing troops in Syria.

Military members gather near Raqqa prison, where the Syrian army is besieging SDF members after the army took control of the city of Raqqa, Syria, January 19, 2026. REUTERS/Mahmoud Hassano/File Photo Jan 23 (Reuters) - Syria's Interior Ministry said ‌on ​Friday it had taken ‌over al-Aktan prison in the city of Raqqa in ​northeastern Syria,

The US is reportedly weighing withdrawing its troops as Damascus moves against the America-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharra has launched an offensive to disarm militias that were formed during the civil war in the country.