Four people were killed today, Monday, during protests in areas under Ankara's influence in northern Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Hundreds participated in these protests, which were sparked by acts of violence against Syrians in Turkey. Over the past few hours, significant and rapid developments have occurred in northern Syria, prompting Turkish authorities to hastily withdraw their personnel from the region due to widespread demonstrations in areas controlled by Turkey-affiliated armed groups, in response to attacks by Turks on Syrians in Turkey.
Turkish authorities cut off communications and internet access in areas controlled by opposition armed groups in northern Syria, as reported by Sky News. Videos documented supporters of what is referred to as the "Turkey-affiliated armed Syrian opposition" removing Turkish flags and expelling personnel as backlash against the events in Kayseri, Turkey, where Turks attacked Syrians, destroying and burning their shops.
Kurdish media reported that Turkish forces and their affiliated armed groups opened fire on protesters in Afrin, which has witnessed demonstrations and road blockades in response to the Kayseri events, according to Russia Today.
Syrian Kurdish media indicated that there was a storming of Turkish military sites and burning of the Turkish flag in Afrin and al-Bab, while protesters smashed Turkish trucks in the city of Azaz in northern Syria, before Turkish authorities demanded their personnel leave the region quickly.
Northern Syria has seen major events in Turkish-controlled areas against the Turkish presence there as a popular reaction to the encroachment on the homes and properties of Syrians the night before in Kayseri, Turkey. There are also large campaigns on social media in Turkey specifically against the Syrian presence and broadly against the Arab presence.
Turkish media reported that groups of men targeted stores and properties belonging to Syrians in Kayseri in central Turkey on Sunday evening after the arrest of a Syrian man suspected of harassing a minor. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that police arrested 67 people in connection with the attacks carried out by Turks on the homes and properties of Syrians in Kayseri following allegations of harassment by a Syrian youth.
In this context, the head of the communications office in the Turkish presidency confirmed that the efforts made by certain circles to undermine peace in the country would not achieve their goals. He stated: "We are closely monitoring the negative atmosphere that has been attempted to be created in public opinion towards Syrian refugees." He added: "We continue to work with the communications administration against false claims and news on social media."
