The Dêrik prison escape attempt was an organized revolt at the detention center in al-Malikiyah (Dêrik), Syria on 5 April 2019, attempted by prisoners belonging to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The detainees launched a coordinated uprising to facilitate a breakout, but were foiled by the quick intervention of local security forces and the United States Air Force.
On the morning of 5 April 2019, the prisoners took advantage of the lessened security during their toilet hour. About 200 detainees simultaneously attacked the prison guards in an attempt to take a guard hostage, and capture firearms to facilitate an escape. The local security forces quickly responded to the uprising,[3] and sent many SDF reinforcements to Dêrik prison.[3][4] The United States Air Force dispatched two fighter jets which flew on a low altitude over the prison to encourage the would-be escapees to surrender.[3] After a few hours, the prison uprising was quelled,[4] reportedly "peacefully".[5] None of the prisoners managed to escape,[1] though the attempt had reportedly come close to being successful.[3]
Aftermath
CJTF–OIR aircraft conducted aerial observation of the area after the escape attempt, ensuring that none of the inmates had fled.[1] Security at Dêrik prison was heightened.[5] The French prisoners were subsequently distributed to other detention centers at the request of the French government. This was done so that another organized escape attempt became less likely.[3] SDF foreign relations official Redur Xelil stated that the escape attempt "shows that these people are terrorists, killers and constitute a danger, a situation we have repeatedly voiced before."[4] He also once again requested on behalf of the SDF international help in managing the prisoners.[4]