Serious Developments in Kobani as Prison Mutiny and Fire Leave Casualties

SOHR

Kobani city.

A fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday at a prison in Kobani, reportedly killing several inmates and leaving dozens suffering from smoke inhalation. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that the fire broke out following a mutiny inside the prison, leaving 8 dead and around 20 injured.

SOHR said Kobani was witnessing rapidly unfolding security developments following the reported mutiny at the prison.

“Prisoners reportedly barricaded themselves inside the facility and smashed several doors, triggering heightened tension and a security alert around the prison after midnight,” the organisation said.

According to SOHR, a fire subsequently broke out inside the prison under circumstances that remain unclear, resulting in deaths and injuries, as well as cases of smoke inhalation. Several victims and injured prisoners were reportedly taken to hospitals in the city for treatment.

The SOHR reported that the death toll from the incident has risen to 8 detainees, while around 20 others were reportedly injured or suffered varying degrees of smoke inhalation, with some said to be in critical condition.

The developments coincided with the arrival of military convoys and reinforcements in Kobani, alongside an increased security presence in the city amid heightened tensions and unrest, according to the organisation.

SOHR warned that the lack of confirmed information had raised concerns over the humanitarian and security conditions facing prisoners.

The latest developments follow security tensions and unrest in Kobani on Friday following the reported killing of a young Kurdish man, identified as Sipan Karmi, who was reportedly decapitated by men affiliated with an Arab tribe in the area.

The incident coincided with the arrival of vehicles and patrols belonging to the Internal Security Forces (Asayish), leading to confrontations with local residents. Patrols were reportedly pelted with stones, SOHR said.

Tensions later escalated, with roads blocked in parts of the city as security forces deployed additional personnel and reinforcements. SOHR said more than 10 Internal Security Forces vehicles were reportedly deployed, while reports indicated that Syrian army units were also moving towards Kobani from the Sarrin and Manbij areas.
 
Internal Security Forces facilities and vehicles also came under attack by angry civilians, with reports of doors being smashed and several vehicles set on fire. Physical confrontations were also reported between demonstrators and security personnel, according to the SOHR.
  


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