Calm returns to Syria’s Kobani after attacks on government facilities
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Calm returned on Tuesday to the Kurdish-majority city of Kobani in northern Aleppo after Syrian security forces concluded operations following attacks on government facilities, the Internal Security Command in Aleppo said.
The command said its forces entered the city to prevent further unrest, maintain security and stability, and protect residents, government institutions and public facilities.
19 Internal Security Forces personnel were injured while carrying out their duties, while seven people allegedly linked to the incidents were arrested, according to the command.
The security forces deployed across the city after the attacks and a temporary curfew was imposed to contain the situation.
Mohammed Abdul Ghani, commander of the Internal Security Command in Aleppo, said the Syrian state flag and government institutions were “a red line,” adding that authorities would pursue those who attacked state institutions in accordance with the law.
Earlier, a security source told Syria TV that several people had attacked government facilities in Kobani, removed the identification sign from the city’s administrative building and took down the Syrian flag outside the Internal Security Command headquarters.
The developments came amid heightened tensions in northeastern Syria following attacks on displaced Kurdish families returning to Sere Kaniye (Ras al-Ain) from Washokani Camp in Hasakah Governorate.
On Monday, more than 400 displaced families traveled to Sere Kaniye in the first organized convoy to return to the city and surrounding villages. Videos circulated online showed attacks on members of the convoy, prompting protests in Hasakah and Qamishli.
The Sere Kaniye Displaced Persons Committee accused authorities of failing to protect returnees and called for those responsible for the attacks to be arrested.
The Internal Security Forces in Hasakah said the incident in Sere Kaniye began after several displaced families returned to their homes without prior coordination, leading to a dispute with current residents. The forces denied reports that residents from Hasakah had prevented returnees from entering their homes.
The tensions also prompted protests in Kobani, where demonstrators rejected attacks against returning families. Security forces subsequently increased their presence in the city to prevent further escalation.