Protesters in Syria’s Aleppo demand action against PKK/YPG forces

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Aleppo’s Sadullah al-Jabiri Square on Friday, calling on President Ahmed al-Sharaa to launch military operations to expel PKK/YPG forces from Syrian territory.

The demonstration highlighted growing local frustration with the PKK/YPG’s continued presence in parts of Aleppo and regions east of the Euphrates River, where the U.S.-backed group maintains control.

“We will continue our struggle against anyone operating outside state authority. Our protests will continue until all Syrian territories are liberated,” said Khalil Krez, an Aleppo resident who spoke to reporters during the protest. Krez, a longtime activist who previously demonstrated against the Assad regime, described the PKK/YPG’s occupation of eastern Syria as “unacceptable.”

Protesters carried Arabic banners with messages equating the PKK/YPG with the former Assad regime and warning of potential civilian action if their demands weren’t met. One sign read, “YPG and Assad are two sides of the same coin,” while another stated, “YPG presence means division and instability for Syria.”

Ibrahim Haj Junaid, who traveled from Azaz to join the protest, expressed urgency for immediate military intervention. “We want our country cleansed of all traitors. Their presence in our country is unacceptable. They have taken our children and brothers captive,” he said. “We are only waiting for orders from the new government to begin operations.”