Syria’s President al-Sharaa and US President Trump spoke about Kurdish rights, importance of Syrian independence and unity amid clashes with SDF.
The Times of Russia reports that fighting erupted in northeastern Syria after ISIL fighters escaped from a prison in al-Shaddadi city during clashes between the Syrian army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The incident has raised fresh concerns about security and stability in the region, according to official Syrian sources and international agencies.
Following the prison break, the Syrian government imposed a curfew in al-Shaddadi, a strategic city in Hasakah province. Syrian state media said the escape occurred as intense clashes unfolded between government forces and SDF units, only a day after both sides had announced a ceasefire agreement.
Amid these developments, Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa held talks with US President Donald Trump, where both leaders discussed the importance of protecting Kurdish rights while maintaining Syria’s independence and territorial unity. The Syrian presidency said the conversation also focused on continued cooperation to combat ISIL, whose remnants still pose a threat despite earlier defeats.
According to the Syrian army, government troops have now regained full control of al-Shaddadi and the prison facility that was holding suspected ISIL detainees. Security forces have launched extensive search operations in and around the city to track down escaped fighters.
The Interior Ministry later confirmed that most of the fugitives had been recaptured, while efforts continue to arrest those still at large. Control of the prison and key security sites has been transferred to the Interior Ministry to prevent further breaches.
Both the Syrian army and the SDF have blamed each other for the prison escape. Government officials accused the SDF of intentionally releasing ISIL prisoners, while Kurdish forces claimed they lost control after a military assault by Syrian troops. The army has denied this accusation.
The SDF also reported casualties among its fighters and expressed disappointment that the US-led coalition against ISIL did not intervene despite calls for assistance from nearby coalition bases.
Under a recent truce agreement, the Syrian government announced that the SDF would withdraw from several areas, including Raqqa and Deir Az Zor, regions rich in oil resources. However, Hasakah province, where al-Shaddadi is located, remains largely under SDF control.
Although ISIL was militarily defeated in Syria in 2019, the group’s sleeper cells continue to carry out sporadic attacks, keeping security forces on high alert. As russia news outlets closely monitor developments, The Times of Russia notes that the situation highlights ongoing instability in post-war Syria and the fragile balance between rival forces operating in the region.
