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SDF Launches Wide Security Campaign in Hasakah and Arrests Approximately 40 People
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched an extensive security campaign in the city of Hasakah early Saturday morning, claiming that it targets ISIS cells. However, local sources confirmed that the arrests included dozens of activists opposed to the SDF within the city.
A reporter from Syrian TV explained that the campaign focused on several main neighborhoods, including Ghuwayran, Nashwa, Zohour, Al-Azizia, Al-Ghazal, and Khashman. Security forces intensified their operations and imposed strict security control over the area.
A source from Ghuwayran neighborhood stated that the campaign particularly targeted a number of activists and citizens opposed to the SDF, as well as individuals suspected of links with opposition figures living outside northeast Syria who are active in media. Among those arrested were Sheikh Imad Al-Khalf, imam of Al-Tawhid Mosque in Ghuwayran, as well as Khaled and Muhammad Al-Harith, Gwzwan, Makhlaf Al-Aghwat, and Fares Al-Maslat from the same neighborhood.
Local sources accused the SDF of exploiting the pretext of combating ISIS to justify a campaign targeting activists and opponents, whether they have links to resistance groups or support the Syrian government.
The SDF also carried out a complete closure of Hasakah city, shutting all roads leading to and from it. This resulted in hundreds of cars and buses gathering at the city entrances since early dawn. Commercial stores and markets were closed, and a curfew was imposed on residents with no specified end time.
In statements to Syrian TV, a source close to the SDF suggested that the campaign might end today after completing the sweep of targeted neighborhoods and areas.
Officially, the SDF announced the start of a wide campaign to track ISIS hideouts and cells within and around the city, aiming to dismantle terrorist networks and prevent plans that threaten civilians' lives. The campaign involves highly precise intelligence support and the participation of military operations teams (TOL) to ensure targeted strikes and protect civilian lives.
In a later update, the SDF reported that they had managed to arrest 39 ISIS members and seized quantities of weapons and ammunition as part of ongoing efforts to pursue the terrorist organization.
