UPDATE - Syrian Army begins transferring members of YPG/SDF terror group to eastern Aleppo

UPDATES WITH NEW DETAILS, ADDS DECK

By Mehmet Nuri Ucar, Esref Musa and Tarek Chouiref

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Syrian Army began transferring on Thursday members of the YPG/SDF terrorist group from al-Aktan Prison northeast of Raqqa city center to eastern Aleppo.

The members included both Syrian and foreign nationals, the army told state-run Al Ekhbariya TV.

The army said the move was taken under an agreement reached through international mediation aimed at ensuring security and de-escalating tensions.

It added that the agreement seeks to reassert state sovereignty across the country, particularly in Raqqa.

The YPG/SDF members, including Syrian nationals and foreign elements, are being withdrawn from al-Aktan Prison and all its annexes, according to the statement.

They are being transferred carrying only light personal weapons and under the supervision of the relevant authorities.

The statement also said that the entire al-Aktan Prison, including sections holding Daesh (ISIS) detainees, will be taken over by Syrian army units and relevant security institutions, with detainees to be managed in accordance with Syrian law.

The transfer and withdrawal process involves around 800 YPG/SDF members, the statement said, stressing that the step aims to prevent military escalation in the region, ensure the peaceful transfer of administrative and security authority, and maintain security in Raqqa.

The Defense Ministry also confirmed that the process is being carried out in line with the state’s vision to reactivate government institutions across the country, uphold the rule of law, and preserve social stability.

Separately, Syrian news agency SANA quoted the army’s Operations Authority as saying that the transfer marks the first step in implementing the Jan. 18 agreement reached with the SDF.

Under the agreement, the Interior Ministry will assume full administrative control of al-Aktan Prison, the authority said.

It added that Syrian army units will escort YPG/SDF members during their transfer to the outskirts of eastern Aleppo to ensure the orderly and secure execution of the process.

In a later statement, the Interior Ministry said prison and corrections authorities have taken over al-Aktan Prison in Raqqa province after it was handed over from the SDF.

The ministry said specialized teams immediately began a comprehensive review of detainees’ legal and judicial files, stressing that each case will be handled individually to ensure due legal procedures.

It added that counterterrorism units and other relevant agencies have been deployed to secure the facility and maintain order inside the prison.

The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to upholding human rights principles and the rule of law in the management of detention facilities, saying the measures aim to enhance security and stability.

On Sunday, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa announced a ceasefire agreement with the SDF to integrate its members into state institutions.

Under the deal, the SDF will withdraw its military formations east of the Euphrates River and hand over administrative and security control of Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor provinces to the Syrian state.