Syrian security forces negotiated with five PKK snipers holed up on the roof of Katan Prison north of Raqqa city between 10:15 AM and 11:15 AM UTC on January 19, 2026, during which the snipers released 12 detainees held as human shields and fled the area, according to DeirEzzore on X. Clashes continue around the prison, as stated by Ebuselmnbelarus on X. YPG members refused to withdraw from Al-Aktan hospital just north of Raqqa, leading to ongoing conflict in the area, per hakikatsizler on X. These developments follow the Syrian Arab Army's surrounding of Katan Prison between 9:46 AM and 10:15 AM UTC earlier today, where YPG members declined to surrender the facility holding Daesh prisoners, as reported in prior coverage citing Ebuselmnbelarus on X. French President Emmanuel Macron convened a Defense Council meeting at noon at the Élysée Palace devoted to the international situation, with particular focus on Syria among other regions, according to nexus_osint on X.
