On Tuesday night, violent clashes broke out in Qamishlo between the Autonomous Administration security forces (Asayîş) and the Baathist regime militia Difa al-Watani (National Defense Forces - NDF). The regime militia attacked the Asayîş from a checkpoint in the neighbourhood of Tay. As a result, a fierce clash broke out in which heavy weapons such as RPG rocket launchers were used by the regime. The security forces were able to repel the regime militia and secure the position from which the attack originated. An Asayîş member lost his life in the clashes.

A statement by the security forces on the attack said: “The militias of Difa al-Watani are attacking our Qamishlo with the intention of disturbing the peace and security of the region and causing chaos. In the evening, one of our members was seriously injured by gunfire from the NDF at our checkpoint at Al-Wahda intersection. Despite our best efforts, our member fell a martyr in the hospital. We reiterate that we will not hesitate to respond to such attacks aimed at undermining peace and security in the region."

In other self-governing northern Syrian cities like Hesekê, where the regime is partially present, there is a tense calm. The internal security forces have expanded their patrols to prevent possible attacks.