Syrian-regime militia breaks ceasefire in Zalin, kills 10-year-old boy with gunfire

ZALIN, Syria — A temporary ceasefire between the Syrian-regime’s National Defense Forces (NDF) and the Internal Security Forces (ISF) of the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA) of North and East Syria brokered last night was broken today by the NDF.

Clashes erupted between the two sides on Tuesday night following the killing of an ISF member, Khaled Haji, by NDF fighters who were stopped at an ISF coronavirus checkpoint.

The Media Center of the ISF stated that the NDF fighters killed Haji at a checkpoint near the al-Wehda roundabout in Zalin (Qamishli). “The Internal Security Forces will not hesitate for a moment to defend themselves and eliminate all attempts by the National Defense Forces to target its security points and spread sedition and sow instability in our regions,” read a statement released by the ISF.

Fighting lasted all day on Wednesday and a ceasefire was agreed to Wednesday night that lasted until midday Thursday when it was violated by NDF fighters who opened fire on ISF checkpoints yet again. The ISF have since demanded that NDF be expelled from the city and that all territory taken by the ISF in the clashes remain under their control.

A 10-year-old boy, Muhammad Mahmud, was killed and a 14-year-old boy was injured by NDF fire in the most recent incident.