Syrian Jihadists Escape Prison Following Quake

At least 20 detainees at a Syrian prison – believed to be jihadists – have escaped after the quake damaged the facility, a source has told Agence France-Presse (AFP).

The prison in the town of Rajo near the Turkish border holds about 2,000 inmates, with about 1,300 of them suspected to be IS fighters, said an official at the jail. It also holds fighters from Kurdish-led forces.

Monday’s 7.8-magnitude quake – which was followed by dozens of aftershocks in the region – caused damage including cracked walls and doors.

“[The] inmates started to mutiny and took control of parts of the prison.”

“About 20 prisoners fled… who are believed to be Islamic State militants.” AFP