isis prison break clashes displace thousands in al-hasakeh

Introduction 

In late January, ISIS conducted a widescale attack on Sina’a prison in Ghweiran neighborhood, Al-Hasakeh city, in an apparent attempt to break out prisoners held under accusations of ISIS affiliation. The scale of the attack indicates a potential increase in ISIS activity and capabilities in the northeast, with Iraq also showing concern by fortifying its borders to prevent escapees entering the country. The humanitarian ramifications of the attack continue to be felt today, as civilians in Ghweiran and Al-Zohour neighborhoods are facing access limitations, livelihood losses, and a reduction of basic service provision.

On the evening of 20 January, ISIS sleeper cells in hiding around Sina‘a prison, located in the Ghweiran neighborhood, set off two car bombs, one at the entrance of Sadcop fuel company and another at the prison’s entrance, in an apparent attempt to break out suspected ISIS prisoners held captive there. The attackers were assisted from the inside by the prisoners who had started a riot, overwhelming the SDF prison guards, ultimately taking hold of the prison’s weapons depot. Clashes ensued between the SDF and ISIS fighters, with International Coalition (IC) forces later stepping in, deploying infantry and armored vehicles in addition to providing air support using jets and attack helicopters. Clashes were not limited to the prison but spread to various locations across southern Al-Hasakeh, resulting in significant material damages to facilities and civilian houses where ISIS fighters were reportedly hiding.