Syria accuses SDF of ‘political blackmail’ after Islamic State prisoners allegedly freed

Syria's interior ministry has accused the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) of political blackmail for deliberately releasing around 120 Islamic State (IS) group members from al-Shaddadi prison. The Syrian government claims its forces recaptured 81 of the escaped detainees and that the SDF had refused a prior arrangement to hand over the facility. The SDF denies the claim, stating the prison break happened after an attack by tribal fighters affiliated with the Syrian army. This dispute arises amid rising tensions following a recent ceasefire and failed talks between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF leader Mazloum Abdi regarding control of northeast Syria.