Islamic State terrorists could escape from camps and prisons in north-east Syria as a result of Donald Trump’s sweeping and unexpected cuts to foreign aid, officials and analysts have warned.

US funding was abruptly halted for several days, leading to reports that camp guards had not turned up to work, adding to fears of a mass breakout.

The president signed an executive order on Friday for a blanket 90-day moratorium in foreign development assistance pending a review.

Security and administration around al-Hol and al-Roj, the two main detention facilities, was withdrawn and humanitarian work halted, according to aid workers inside.

An 11th hour intervention by the US state department on Monday night temporarily reinstated the funding for the camp guards, but only for two weeks. It is still unclear what happens after the funding stopgap expires.

It has raised significant concerns for the long-term security of detention facilities, which hold what Western counter-terrorism officials described as a potential terror army in waiting.