Deputy Co-Chair of Executive Council of North and East Syria Lahdo: Due to protests, fuel price increase canceled until appropriate amendments

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — Following protests at a planned increase in cost of fuel, the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA) of North and East Syria announced the cancellation of the increase.

Deputy Co-Chair of the Executive Council of North and East Syria Joseph Lahdo told SuroyoTV that the DAA was established to govern the regions of North and East Syria in accordance with democratic principles and will the approval of the people. For that reason, following the obvious dissatisfaction of the people, the DAA cancelled Decision No. 119 which would have increased the price of fuel, he added.

Lahdo stated that fuel prices will remain unchanged until appropriate amendments to the Decision are discussed. He stressed that these amendments will hopefully be satisfactory to the people.

After the decision was announced, there was widespread protests with thousands taking to the streets.

In Shaddadi, outside Dayro Zcuro (Deir ez-Zor), protests were especially large. The Internal Security Forces (ISF) of North and East Syria were forced to abandon some of their checkpoints near the protests. Several masked men in the crowd, attempting to incite riots, set several checkpoints on fire.

During the protests, local sources reported at least one person was killed by the small arms fire of security forces.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) released a statement after the incident, claiming that, “a number of masked persons as well as a number of other gunmen were engaging and hiding among the protesters, attacking security forces outposts and positions.”