Mass protests erupt in northwestern Syria against violence targeting Syrians in Turkey, deportation of Syrian refugees, and rapprochement with Assad regime

KAYSERI, Turkey / EDLEB and HOLEB, Syria — In response to violent attacks on Syrian families in Kayseri, Turkey, where homes and properties were set on fire, residents of northwestern Syria organized mass demonstrations.

Protesters took to the streets in Azaz, the Bab al-Salama border crossing, and the al-Rai area in the countryside of Holeb (Aleppo). Demonstrators stormed the Bab al-Salama border crossing, burning 11 Turkish vehicles and lowering Turkish flags. In response, Turkish Army forces fired directly at the protesters, killing several people.

Hundreds of residents also demonstrated in front of Turkish military checkpoints in Atarib, Kafranwan, and the village of Al-Mastumah, west of Holeb. Consequently, over 250 members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) were mobilized to protect the Bab al-Hawa border crossing and Turkish bases from further demonstrations or armed attacks.

In related news, the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) expressed support for Syrians in northern Syria against Turkish forces. “We salute the steadfastness and uprising of Syrians everywhere. We consider their goals and rightful demands to be a compass for our struggle and political work,” the SDC stated.