The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

US-Russian rivalry | Russian forces tour area near Turkish border, north of Al-Hasakah

SOHR activists have reported that Russian forces, accompanied by SDF, have arrived in the border city of Darbasiyah with Turkey in the northern countryside of Al-Hasakah.

SDF and Russian forces military vehicles have toured the city centre of Darbasiyah and headed to the southern area.

According to Syrian Observatory sources, the Russians are seeking to compete with US forces and strengthen their presence in the north-eastern Syria.

This comes amid reports received about the intention of the US forces to expand and strengthen their presence in Ain Al-Arab (Kobani) and Al-Raqqah.

On May 13, SOHR activists reported that regime loyalists and members of regime’s checkpoint intercepted a US patrol comprising five military armoured vehicles, and prevented the patrol from passing through Al-Salehiyah village in the southern Al-Qamishly countryside, forcing the vehicles to return from the entrance of the village and head in a different direction.

On May 9, SOHR activists reported that members of the National Defence and regime loyalists intercepted a US patrol comprising four military armoured vehicles, and prevented the patrol from passing in Hamo and Al-Da’doshiyah villages in Al-Qamishly countryside, while the vehicles headed in a different direction without quarrels. Recently, such incidents are repeated almost daily.