ALBAWABA - The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander, Mazloum Abdi, called protests in Raqqa "unfortunate." After Bashar al-Assad's dictatorship fell, protesters want SDF forces out.
Abdi stressed the SDF's focus on peaceful resolution in a social media statement. He warned that escalating tensions only benefit "enemies of peace." Abdi also promised to punish authority abusers and solve Raqqa unrest transparently.
"The fall of the criminal regime has cleared the way for resolving all issues through dialogue," Abdi said, adding that Syria has a rare chance to rebuild on justice and togetherness. He advocated national discourse as the only way to achieve Syrians' peace and dignity goals.
After SDF forces fired on protesters, Raqqa protests erupted. Local sources said two people were killed and several injured in the violence. Protesters wanted SDF forces out of Raqqa, accusing them of insecurity.
Witnesses said SDF fighters invaded the National Hospital in Raqqa and arrested numerous people. Medical workers urgently requested blood donations to treat the injured.
In Hasakah, SDF forces reportedly opened fire on protests, killing one civilian and injuring several.
The protests follow major political developments in Syria. As opposition troops took Damascus on December 8, Assad escaped to Russia. After the regime fell, government forces vacated public institutions, ending 61 years of Ba'ath Party administration and 53 years of Assad family hegemony.
The SDF's protest response and reform promises are part of a larger campaign for stability and administration in post-Assad Syria.
