After days of protest and several protesters killed, Manbij Military Council announces end to conscription in the city and its countryside

MABBUG, Syria — Following continuous protests in Mabbug (Manbij) over the past three days, and the deaths of at least six civilians after security forces used live ammunition to disperse the protests, the Manbij Military Council (MMC) issued a statement blaming external parties for seeking to sow chaos and discord in the region and taking advantage of the people’s right to protest.

In its statement, the MMC stated that one of their headquarters was attacked by saboteurs and criminal cells, leading to casualties and injuries and claimed that the saboteurs were under the instruction of external parties.

The MMC also expressed its support for the demands for which demonstrations took place, namely an end to conscription into the Self-Defense Forces (HXP). They announced an end to conscription in Mabbug and its countryside, the release of all detained protesters, and the arrest of those responsible for firing on protesters.

The MMC called on the people of the city to take precautions and beware of those trying to exploit their protests.

Meanwhile, dignitaries and tribal sheikhs of Mabbug and its countryside issued a statement, warning against intruders seeking to sow chaos and strife, as well as destabilize the city.

The statement also stressed that they held an expanded meeting attended by tribal elders, notables, civil and military councils, as well as the Internal Security Forces (ISF) of North and East Syria, during which they discussed the demands of the demonstrators in the city, as well as all the suggested proposals in the interest of all citizens, with the aim of cutting the way for the intruders that seek striking stability and security in North and East Syria.

Context bij onrust in Manbij, Syrie:

Bevolking Manbij bestaat vooral uit conservatieve Sunni Arabieren. Bevolking verdeeld: Of pro-ISIS of pro-Assad of pro-Turkije, maar iedereen anti-Koerdisch. Dus aanwezigheid van Koerdische, linkse en pro-Amerikaanse SDF ligt daar niet goed. https://t.co/8x5Lu7rxv4

— Harald Doornbos (@HaraldDoornbos) June 2, 2021