Syrian Interior Ministry Blames SDF Factions for Kobani Prison Riot

The Syrian Interior Ministry has attributed the recent unrest at Kobani Prison to isolationist figures and currents operating within the now-dissolved Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) organization.

Interior Ministry Statement and Arrests

Nour al-Din al-Baba, spokesperson for the Syrian Interior Ministry, told the Syrian News Channel that “it was notable that certain individuals affiliated with the dissolved SDF were involved,” adding that authorities had detained four of them. He stated officials also feared some prison guards at Kobani had facilitated their smuggling.

Security Forces’ Intervention and Escalation

According to al-Baba, internal security forces relocated the four detained individuals toward Aleppo for interrogation. This move, he said, prompted some prison guards at Kobani to incite detainees, triggering the outbreak of unrest.

Casualties and Inmate Backgrounds

Al-Baba described the conclusion of the incident as regrettable for the detainees themselves: seven were killed in an unfortunate incident, and 25 others sustained injuries. He specified that those detained either had military backgrounds—having previously served in the SDF—or were convicted criminals from the Kobani area.

Broader Political Context

Al-Baba affirmed that isolationist figures and currents within the dissolved SDF continue seeking to revert developments to their starting point and undermine any national settlement aimed at preserving Syria’s unity and territorial integrity—and ensuring peace and stability for all Syrian components.

Dissolution of the SDF

At the end of last month, Mazloum Abdi announced the dissolution of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), citing the “completion of its mission,” prior to his appointment as advisor to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.