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About 20 Syrian jihadists escape from prison after the earthquake

About 20 Syrian jihadists escape from prison after the earthquake

At least 20 inmates in a Syrian prison, believed to be jihadists , have escaped after an earthquake damaged the facility.

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

Monday's 7.8-magnitude earthquake - which was followed by dozens of aftershocks in the region - caused damage including cracks in walls and doors.

"Prisoners began to riot and took control of parts of the prison. About 20 prisoners escaped who are believed to be Islamic State militants," the official said.

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