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Northeastern Syria: Raids and arrests by SDF after armed attack in Ras al-Ayn countryside
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) carried out a raid and arrest campaign in the southern countryside of Ras al-Ayn in Al-Hasakah province, northeastern Syria, following an armed attack targeting one of their checkpoints in the area. Local news networks reported that unidentified gunmen attacked an SDF checkpoint in the village of Al-Bajariya, which resulted in the death of a member from Raqqa and injury to another, leading to a widespread security alert in the region.
The SDF responded quickly by sending military reinforcements and deploying security checkpoints in multiple locations, especially at the entrance to Zibana city, the entrance to Ras al-Ayn near the 54th Regiment and Zauri roundabout, as well as the city entrance near the railway track and Ras al-Ayn airport, as part of tightened security measures.
Security operations involved elements from Asayish, the Military Police, and Asayish Deir Ezzor, along with the Asayish of the Jazira region. However, the number of detainees and the charges against them remain unknown, amid a tense atmosphere in the area.
A few days ago, the SDF conducted an arrest campaign in the town of Gharibish in Deir Ezzor countryside, detaining 18 people, with houses being burned and vandalized, and a blockade imposed on the towns of Gharibish and al-Kushk, preventing entry and exit. This was accompanied by large military reinforcements to the area.
These operations came after clashes between the SDF and tribal gunmen, as well as the kidnapping of four of their members by unidentified individuals, amid ongoing campaigns targeting opponents and activists. The SDF mainly focuses on arresting suspects linked to ISIS, without disclosing other charges, which has angered activists who emphasize that the campaign also affects civilians and opponents of the forces' policies.
