Syrian government forces take possession of an SDF military checkpoint as they enter the city of Raqqa

Video Duration 01 minutes 41 seconds play-arrow01:41

Syrian army clashes with Kurdish-led SDF near prison housing ISIL detainees

By Faisal Ali and Tim Hume

Published On 20 Jan 202620 Jan 2026

  • A manhunt is on for dozens of ISIL (ISIS) fighters who escaped prison during heavy fighting between the Syrian army and Kurdish-led fighters in the north.
  • Government forces move towards the Syrian Democratic Forces-held city of Hasakah in the country’s east as questions swirl over whether the precarious ceasefire will hold after weeks of fighting.