Syrian Army transfers YPG/SDF members from Raqqa prison under de-escalation deal

The Syrian Army announced Thursday that it has begun transferring members of the YPG/SDF from al-Aktan Prison northeast of Raqqa city to Ayn al-Arab in eastern Aleppo province. According to a statement broadcast on state-run Al Ekhbariya TV, the move involves approximately 800 individuals, including both Syrian and foreign nationals, and is being conducted under an internationally mediated agreement aimed at de-escalating tensions and reasserting state sovereignty in the region.

Terms of the Transfer and Prison Handover

The army stated that the YPG/SDF members will be moved carrying only light personal weapons and under official supervision. The al-Aktan Prison complex, including sections holding ISIS detainees, will be taken over by Syrian army units and state security institutions, with detainees to be managed in accordance with Syrian law. The transfer is framed as a step to prevent military escalation, ensure a peaceful transition of administrative and security control, and maintain stability in Raqqa.

Context of Broader Reintegration Efforts

The prisoner transfer aligns with broader efforts by Damascus to reintegrate areas formerly under SDF control and to implement ceasefire and integration agreements announced in recent weeks. By relocating YPG/SDF personnel—particularly foreign fighters—from a strategic location near Raqqa, the Syrian government aims to reduce armed friction and consolidate its security footprint in northeastern Syria. The operation also addresses long-standing concerns about detention facilities administered by non-state actors.

Implications for Regional Stability

The mediated agreement highlights the involvement of international actors in facilitating local de-escalation, even as broader political negotiations remain stalled. Successfully managing the transfer without incident could build minimal trust between the parties and create space for further implementation of governance and security handovers. However, the presence of foreign fighters among those transferred underscores the continued complexity of demobilizing non-state forces with transnational ties.