Prisoner exchange process slows down amid lack of explanations and ongoing protests

Prisoner exchange operations between the Autonomous Administration and the Interim Government are witnessing a noticeable slowdown. Sources told ANHA agency that the number of remaining prisoners ranges between 500 and 600, amid a lack of official explanations and the continued protests by the prisoners' families demanding their release be expedited.

21 April, 2026 13:08

NEWSDESK

Following a series of prisoner exchanges between security and military forces in NE Syria and the Syrian Interim Government, as part of the implementation of the January 29 agreement between the two sides, the process has recently slowed down and come to a complete halt, without any official explanation for the reasons behind it.

According to information received by ANHA agency from government sources and the Autonomous Administration, the number of prisoners held by the Syrian Interim Government ranges between 500 and 600.

No exchanges have taken place in the past ten days, although a new round was scheduled for the beginning of this week, before the process was suspended without any official explanation being given.

The issue of prisoners remains a source of anticipation, with daily demonstrations and protests by prisoners' families demanding information about the fate of their sons and calling for their release and return home.

The prisoner exchange began on March 10, 2026, with the first phase involving the release of 100 from each side. The second phase, on March 19, 2026, saw the release of 300 from each side. The third phase took place on April 11, 2026, with the release of 400 by the Syrian Interim Government in exchange for 91 by the Syrian Democratic Forces, as part of the implementation of the agreement.

Sh-S

ANHA