. SYRIA - JAN. 18, 2026: Anadolu captured footage of a prison used by YPG/SDG terror group ,in al-Tabqah district.

On the prison walls, writings of “Don't lose hope in Allah's grace” written by those held by the terror group drew attention.

The Syrian Army established full control of the strategic al-Tabqah district in Raqqa province after expelling YPG/SDG terror group forces, state media reported early Sunday

The Syrian Army Operations Department said government forces secured the district and cleared it of YPG/SDG terrorists, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

The Media and Information Department of the Defense Ministry said 483 members of the terror group contacted authorities to defect.

A statement indicated that 181 have surrendered to security forces.

Although the YPG/SDG previously claimed it would withdraw from occupied territories west of the Euphrates River to the eastern bank, the group maintains its occupation in several areas along the river.

Clashes reportedly continue between government forces and the terror group in regions where the occupation persists.

The YPG/SDG remains in control of large swathes of northeastern Syria, often leading to friction with the central government in Damascus about territorial sovereignty and resource management.