Syria: 7 Killed and Others Suffer Suffocation in Fire at Ain al-Arab Prison

Al-Taj News – Seven inmates were killed and others suffered suffocation and burns on Saturday after a fire broke out inside a prison in the city of Ain al-Arab in the Aleppo countryside in Syria, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

The Internal Security Command said in a statement that the fire broke out following a state of chaos inside the prison, during which a number of people set fire to several dormitories, causing the flames to spread inside the prison.

It explained that the incident occurred following the events that took place in the city of Ain al-Arab on Friday, noting that the relevant authorities had opened an investigation to determine the circumstances of the fire, identify responsibilities, and take legal action against anyone proven to be involved.

It noted that the administration of Ain al-Arab Prison has not yet been transferred to the official government authorities, and that the handover process is subject to a judicial and legal process, while the prison’s file remains under consideration by the competent judicial authorities, pending the issuance of the necessary decisions and warrants to complete the formal handover as part of the integration plan.

The Internal Security Command affirmed that the relevant authorities are following up on the developments of the incident and will announce the investigation results once completed, expressing its condolences to the families of the deceased and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.