Syrian security launches manhunt for fugitives after prison break in Aleppo

ISTANBUL

The Syrian security forces on Friday announced carrying out a manhunt operation for fugitives in Aleppo's countryside, northern Syria, after escaping their prison early in the day.

In a statement, Mohammed Abdul-Ghani, director of the General Security Service in Aleppo, reported that a prison break occurred at one of the prisons in the countryside, during which a number of prisoners seized weapons and took control of the prison before security forces intervened to restore order.

He added that some prisoners were apprehended, while others managed to escape, without specifying the exact number of fugitives.

The security official affirmed that "search and pursuit operations will continue until the fugitives are apprehended and brought before the competent judiciary to receive their just punishment."

Bashar Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups took control of Damascus on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led anti-regime forces to oust Assad, was declared president for a transitional period in late January.