Ahead of what is expected to be a Kurdish declaration of independence, some YPG-Kurds surrounded members of a local Christian militia group, Sootoro, that is pro-government and part of the National Defense Forces. Several members of Sootoro were arrested and will likely be expelled. However, Sootoro is a well armed group of locals of Qamishli and will not accept a Kurdish governance of their city. Qamishli is the largest city in Hasakah and is actually under joint control of Kurdish militias and the Syrian government, that controls the main street, the airport and the border crossing to Turkey.
"Tensions are high in the Al-Qamishli District today, as the Kurdish “Assayish” forces surround the National Defense Forces (NDF) at the Al-Qamishli security box*.
Earlier today, the Kurdish political wing in Syria began preparations to announce their intentions to install a federalist system in northern Syria, despite the refusal of the Syrian government and opposition."
Tensions rise in Qamishli as Kurdish militias surround government forces
*No explanation, what the "security box" is, available here. It is probably a government/kurdish joint checkpoint.
"Tensions are high in the Al-Qamishli District today, as the Kurdish “Assayish” forces surround the National Defense Forces (NDF) at the Al-Qamishli security box*.
Earlier today, the Kurdish political wing in Syria began preparations to announce their intentions to install a federalist system in northern Syria, despite the refusal of the Syrian government and opposition."
Tensions rise in Qamishli as Kurdish militias surround government forces
*No explanation, what the "security box" is, available here. It is probably a government/kurdish joint checkpoint.
