AANES condemns crackdown on coastal Syria protests
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) said on Sunday it is following with “deep concern” the escalating events in Syria’s coastal region and several areas in the country’s interior.
In a statement published on its official website, AANES condemned the intervention of forces affiliated with the Syrian transitional government to suppress peaceful demonstrations. The statement said the use of violence, including live ammunition, against protesters resulted in civilian deaths and injuries, describing the actions as “a blatant violation of Syrians’ right to peaceful expression.”
Protests demanding federalism erupted in several coastal and inland areas in response to calls by Ghazal Ghazal, head of the “Supreme Alawite Islamic Council in Syria and the Diaspora.” Demonstrators gathered in Tartus and other cities, voicing demands for political decentralization.
AANES expressed its deep concern over the escalation and held officials in the transitional government responsible for the practices. “These actions serve only the enemies of Syria, those seeking to undermine security and stability, and to obstruct efforts aimed at unifying the Syrian national discourse,” the statement read.
The administration added that such measures pose a serious obstacle to any comprehensive national dialogue and destroy opportunities to build a new Syria—one that is free, democratic, and decentralized.
In its closing remarks, AANES called on all Syrians, as well as national and democratic forces across the country, to intensify efforts and work jointly toward a political solution to the Syrian crisis. The statement urged dialogue and mutual recognition, while rejecting hate speech, incitement, and hostility.