Syria's Kurds demonstrate in multiple cities, government announces curfew

Syrian cities with significant Kurdish populations saw protests and attacks on government symbols Monday night, prompting authorities to impose curfews and deploy internal security forces. In Kobani, also known as Ayn al-Arab, a curfew was announced "out of concern for the safety of citizens and to preserve security and stability."

The Hasakah Media Directorate reported that groups attacked internal security headquarters in Al-Hasakah and Al-Qamishli. In Al-Hasakah, the Syrian Arab Republic's flag was removed from a headquarters and "assaulted." In Al-Qamishli, security personnel were attacked, and several internal security vehicles sustained damage.

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In the city of Al-Hasakah, those groups removed the flag of the Syrian Arab Republic from one of the internal security headquarters and assaulted it. Other groups attacked security personnel stationed at one of the headquarters in Al-Qamishli, causing damage to several internal security vehicles.

Internal security forces have reinforced their presence in these cities to "contain the tension, control the security situation, and preserve the safety of citizens while protecting public and private property." The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have been active in the region.

These events underscore rising sectarian tensions since President Ahmed al-Sharaa took power following Bashar al-Assad's ouster in December 2024. The new Syrian government has effectively taken control of the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration of North-East Syria, leading to an increase in attacks on national and ethnic minorities.

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out of concern for the safety of citizens and to preserve security and stability