Ras al-Ain city | Dispute over seizing houses evolves into clashes between Turkish-backed factions

Al-Hasakah Governorate – Syrian Observatory for Human Rights:

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has monitored, this evening, clashes with machine guns between members of Sultan Murad and members of the 20th Division in the city of Ras al-Ain, within the areas of “Peace Spring” in Al-Hasakeh countryside, amid a state of fear and panic among civilians as a result of these repeated clashes in civilian places.

According to Observatory sources, the clashes erupted due to a dispute over seizure of some houses in the city, but no casualties have been reported so far.

On the other hand, residents of the southern Ras al-Ain countryside complain that Turkish-backed factions are imposing levies on passers-by at the checkpoints of Um al-Debs, Kua-Shallah and Al-Mushrefa, where these checkpoints impose large sums of money.

On October 27, SOHR sources documented the death of five members of “Sultan Murad” faction and injury of 16 others they are: 12 members of the same factions and four civilians, following fierce clashes which erupted this evening among members of “Sultan Murad” at Al-Duwayrah checkpoint in Ras Al-Ain countryside in rural Al-Hasakah.

The clashes extended later into Ras Al-Ain city which caused panic among civilians due to the indiscriminate gunshots near the areas of conflict, as the warring parties used light and medium weapons and RPGs.

According to SOHR sources, the clashes flared up after a dispute over revenue-sharing at Al-Duwayrah checkpoint and arresting members of “Sultan Murad” faction.