Iraq steps up border control after 37 IS fighters escape from Syrian prison

Iraqi security forces have been put on high alert in three western provinces bordering Syria. The reason for this measure was the news about the escape of 37 Islamic State militants from the prison of the city of Ras al-Ain, located in the area of Syria controlled by Turkish troops.

All of the fugitives are from Iraq. Tough security measures have been introduced in the provinces of Anbar, Ninewa and Dahuk. Regular patrols are carried out along the whole border line.

The details of the escape are unknown. Presently, pro-Turkish groups located in the Syrian Hasakah governorate are trying to catch the terrorists.

This is not the first escape case for the prison in Ras al-Ain. The Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are still looking for the 19 militants who escaped from here and entered SDF-controlled territory.