Tensions rise in Syria’s Hasakah after killing of Kurdish fighter
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Tensions rose on Friday across Syria’s northeastern Governorate of Hasakah following the abduction and killing of Kurdish fighter Sami Sheikh Moussa Hasso, known as Sipan Karmi (Hizni), with protests reported in several cities demanding accountability.
The Internal Security Forces in Hasakah said Friday that they had identified a suspect in the killing and were continuing efforts to arrest him and refer him to the judiciary.
According to a statement, criminal investigation patrols in Sere Kaniye (Ras al-Ain), northwest of Hasakah, used information and video recordings documenting the abduction to locate Hesso’s body near al-Hilwa village. The statement said he had been shot several times and died at the scene.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Hesso was abducted and taken to the Mount Abdulaziz area in Hasakah countryside over accusations linked to the killing of members of the Bu Hassan clan of the Baggara tribe about two years ago. The Observatory said he was shot and stabbed, and that footage purportedly showing the killing circulated online.
The killing triggered angry gatherings and protests among Kurds in Hasakah, Qamishli, Amuda, Derbasiyah, Rmelan and Girke Lege (Maabadeh), as well as surrounding towns and villages in northeastern Syria. Protesters called for the circumstances of the killing to be fully investigated and those responsible to be held accountable.
In Amuda, some protesters reportedly removed flags and signs associated with the Syrian transitional government, expressing anger over Hesso’s killing.
Hasakah Governor Nour al-Din Ahmad condemned the killing and said security and judicial authorities had been instructed to pursue those responsible and refer them to court.
Mahmoud Khalil (Siyamend Afrin), deputy commander of the Internal Security Forces in Hasakah, called for restraint and warned against exploiting the killing to fuel tensions or incite violence.
The killing has also raised concerns over the security of Kurdish fighters incorporated into Syria’s Defense Ministry as part of the military integration process.
Samir Oso (Sipan Hamo), Deputy Minister of Defense for the Eastern Region, said authorities had arrested several suspects and were pursuing others, urging people to reject inflammatory rhetoric and allow the law to take its course.