Click to see full-size image. Source: the Hawar News Agency.
On January 28, ISIS’ weekly newspaper, al-Nabaa, revealed new details about the terrorist group’s attack on Geweran prison in the northeastern Syrian city of al-Hasakah.
A fierce battle broke out as a result of the attack on Geweran which began late on January 20. Eight days into the battle, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are still struggling to secure the prison.
A security commander of ISIS told al-Nabaa that the attack on the prison was carried out by two suicide bombers and 12 fighters only. The small strike force managed to freed thousands of their comrades, many of whom took up arms and went on to control the prison and nearby areas.
Previously, the SDF claimed that hundreds of ISIS terrorists attacked Geweran likely to hide their failure to guard the prison.
According to al-Nabaa, ISIS terrorists killed or wounded 260 fighters of the SDF during the battle in Geweran prison. The terrorists also destroyed or damaged 27 vehicles of the group.
Al-Nabaa also confirmed that “many groups” of ISIS captives managed to flee Geweran prison during the attack. The newspaper said that the escapees and are now in “safe places,” without providing any further details.
A recent report by the London-based al-Quds al-Arabi revealed a secret deal between the SDF and the terrorists holding up at Geweran. Under the deal, the SDF allowed 200 terrorists to withdraw from the prison to al-Badia in exchange for the release of 23 of its own fighters who were being held as hostages.
On January 26, the SDF announced that its fighters had regained control of Geweran and nearby areas. However, as of January 28 morning, clashes continue in the prison where dozens of terrorists are still holding up, according to the SDF’s own statements.
The SDF and the US-led coalition were well-aware of ISIS plans to attack Geweran Prison. In November and December, two booby-trapped vehicles, which were prepared for the attack, were destroyed. Despite these measures, the terrorist group’s cells were able to carry out the attack.
The information revealed by ISIS exposes the SDF’s poor security measures in northeastern Syria as well as the US-backed group’s attempts to mislead the public on the situation there.
