The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

Ras al-Ain crossing crisis | Demonstrations and tension continue, amid civil and military divisions in Ras al-Ain and countryside

SOHR sources say that dozens of residents of Ras al-Ain hold a demonstration, supported by al-Hamza division, took place near the city’s Al-Jawza roundabout.

The demonstrators demanded the provision of services, electricity, drinking water and toppling of the city’s local council, which opposes the director of the border gate with Turkey, which is supported by ak-Hamza division.

Yesterday, a demonstration was also held in support of the local council, which demands the appointment of staff of the border gate with Turkey from the area.

Meanwhile, tension continues to prevail, amid military divisions that have evolved into civilian divisions in various areas of Ras al-Ain.

Turkish forces are seeking to calm the situation, sometimes through visits to the region’s elders, and sometimes through the intervention of Ahrar Al-Sharqiya faction, which is considered a neutral party.

Turkish forces had supported the water pumping station in the village of Masbagha with seven barrels of diesel, in response to the demands of the residents, and to mitigate their discontent.

The Syrian Observatory has monitored earlier a security tension evolving into clashes between military police and members of the third central of al-Jabha al-Shamiya, after members of the military police stormed a house in the city of Tel Abyad within the areas of “Peace Spring”, north of Raqqa, beating a woman from the city. While tension is still prevailing in the city between both sides to date.

Yesterday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitored a great tension in Ras al-Ain (Seri Kanier), following clashes between two Turkish-backed factions which left two people dead.

The appointment of the new director of Ras al-Ain border crossing with Turkey remains an issue, which sparks disputes and divisions among Turkish-backed factions, while those factions formed an alliance against “al-Hamza Division”, which supports the new director of the crossing.

On the other hand, “Ahrar al-Sharqia” sent in reinforcement to the village of Masba’a in Ras al-Ain countryside for the third day in a row.

Moreover, a Turkish delegation from the Turkish base near the village of Masba’a visited and met with elders and dignitaries there to discuss the situation and calm things down.