Asayish siege 17 days on | Regime loyalists stage vigil in Al-Hasakah and Al-Qamishli cities
Reliable sources have informed SOHR that a sit-in protest is expected to start, in hours, by regime loyalists in the security zones in Al-Qamishli and Al-Hasakah cities, denouncing the stifling siege imposed by the Internal Security Forces (Asayish) on regime-held areas in the two cities, which started 17 days ago. Meanwhile, a state of fear is prevailing among regime loyalists of forcing regime forces to leave the two cities.
Yesterday, Observatory sources reported that regime forces stationed at the checkpoint of Al-Qamishli airbase in Al-Qamishli city opened fire on on a taxi near Al-Basel roundabout in the city, but no casualties were reported. The Internal Security Forces (Asayish) later established makeshift checkpoints surrounding areas under the control of regime forces in AL-Qamishly city. Asayish Forces also established a checkpoint at nearly 100 metres away from Al-Baath bread bakery between the security zone and Al-Seyahi and Al-Qusur neighbourhoods, the area separating regime-held areas from areas under the control of Asayish Forces.
This development came as a part of rising tension in Al-Hasakah city, amid ongoing siege imposed by Asayish Forces on regime forces in the security zone and other neighbourhoods for the 16th consecutive day.
A day earlier, SOHR sources reported tense calm prevailing in Al-Hasakah and Al-Qamishli cities after the dramatic developments on Saturday. This calm coincided with ongoing tension and security alertness by regime forces and “National Defence Forces” (NDF) on one hand, and the Internal Security Forces (Asayish) on the other.
On the other hand, the Russians were attempting to reach an agreement between the two sides in order to put an end to the tension in the area and the siege imposed by Asayish Forces on the regime forces stationed in the security zone in Al-Hasakah, which started 15 days ago.
On Saturday, SOHR activists documented the injury of six members of the regime-backed “National Defence Forces” (NDF), one of whom sustained serious injuries in clashes between NDF and Asayish Forces in Al-Qamishi city. These clashes coincided with displacement of residents to safer places in the city’s northern neighbourhoods.
Meanwhile, Asayish Forces blocked the roads to Al-Qamishli airbase, Tayy alley and Halku neighbourhood in Al-Qamishli city, and brought in military reinforcement to positions near the conflict zones.
“SOHR camera” captures the frontlines separating regime-held areas from areas under the control of Asayish Forces in Al-Qamishli city where Asayish Forces continue their siege on regime forces and allow civilians to travel in the city only on foot