Thousands of people attend funeral of 3 SDF fighters in NE Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Thousands of people of Qamishli, a city in northeastern Syria, attended on Thursday the funerals of three fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
The fighters, Rashid Ibrahim and Harkul Qamishlo, were killed during the “Security Reinforcement” operation in the countryside of Deir ez-Zor Governorate, eastern Syria.
Additionally, the fighter Rojna Akid from the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) was targeted by a Turkish drone in the countryside of Qamishli on September 2.
On Aug. 27, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched a military operation called “Security Reinforcement” with the support of the US-led Global Coalition on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River, specifically in Deir ez-Zor, “to eradicate Islamic State (ISIS) sleeper cells, pursue criminals responsible for perpetrating injustices against the local population, and to track down smugglers who exploit the populace’s livelihoods.”
On Aug. 30, the SDF announced the dismissal of commander of Deir ez-Zor Military Council, Ahmad al-Khabil, known as Abu Khawla, from duty, for his involvement “in multiple crimes and violations, including communication and coordination with external entities hostile to the revolution, committing criminal offenses and engaging in drug trafficking, mismanaging of the security situation, his negative role in increasing the activities of ISIS cells,” according to the SDF.
The operation led to the eruption of clashes between the SDF and gunmen affiliated with the dismissed leader and with Nawaf al-Bashir whose groups are active in the western bank of the Euphrates which is under the control of the Syrian government forces and Iranian-backed militias.
The three fighters were laid to rest in Martyr Delil Sarokhan Cemetery in Qamishli, with the participation of thousands of residents, as well as social, political, and military figures from the city.
The ceremony included speeches by the institutions of the martyrs’ families and civil organizations, which praised the determination of the SDF fighters in defending the region’s residents.
They emphasized that the blood of the residents in this area has blended together, affirming that this cohesion among the communities acts as a barrier against external agendas that have sought to create sectarian strife and undermine the security and stability in the regions.