Security measures have been increased in the central prison of Hesekê in northeast Syria. For five days, the responsible authorities with the support of anti-terrorist units of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and troops from the International anti-IS Coalition were on duty to respond to security gaps. Numerous ISIS mercenaries are housed in Hesekê prison, including high-ranking figures responsible for the most serious war crimes.

As part of the immediate program to increase security, intensive searches were initially carried out, said the SDF Press Office.

The statement said: “Our units have successfully completed the operation despite attempts by terrorists to sabotage the surveillance devices in the prison cells with the aim of attempt escapes. Our units confiscated a large number of sharp objects manufactured by mercenaries from available materials in the cells. In parallel, our units have been able to uncover holes in the walls of cells connecting the cells of ISIS mercenaries with those where the leaders of the terrorist organization are kept. The holes were made by mercenaries in order to infiltrate and retrain. Their attempt was foiled by our units.”

In addition to the extensive construction work to close the holes, video surveillance in the detention center has also been significantly increased. As part of the health measures to combat the coronavirus, all prisoners were examined by medical teams of the SDF. In addition, the entire building was thoroughly disinfected.