Syria’s AANES assures some parties exploit Manbij protests
Hasakah, Syria (North Press) – On Wednesday, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) said that it has “conclusive evidence” that some outside parties are exploiting the protests of residents in Manbij, north Syria.
The AANES said in a statement posted on its official Facebook account, that outside parties “with the support and incitement of the Syrian regime and its sleeper cells, Turkey and its mercenaries, and ISIS sleeper cells, are working to exploit the protests.”
The AANES described the “continuous bets by the Syrian regime, Turkey and its mercenaries to destabilize this region” as lost.
It pointed out that “the protest and peaceful demonstration is a right that is protected within the Charter of the Social Contract of the Autonomous Administration.”
The AANES hoped for “the awareness of the people of Manbij and its ancient clans, and all those who are jealous of the interest of Manbij and its people to prevent any party that wants to exploit these protests and strike the stability of Manbij.”
Earlier today, both Civil and Military Councils of Manbij made a issued a statement in participation with tribal sheikhs and figures in the city of Manbij, in response to the recent events that the city witnessed two days ago.
The statement stipulated halting “duty of self-defense” campaign in the city of Manbij and its villages and referring it to discussion and study, releasing all detainees involved in the recent events, and forming an investigation committee regarding the shooting and holding those responsible to account.
A number of protesters lost their lives, and social media accounts accused the security forces in Manbij of being behind the incidents, local sources in the city said.
Eyewitnesses from the village of al-Hudhud, north of Manbij, told North Press that members of the Syrian government forces “were in a car, and shot the protesters before fleeing.”