Türkiye’s Sanliurfa bans public gatherings amid escalating tensions on Syrian border

Sanliurfa, a city in southeastern Türkiye, which shares a border with Syria, specifically with cities like Ayn al-Arab and Tal Abyad, has announced a seven-day ban on demonstrations, marches, and various public activities throughout the city.

In a statement, the governorship said the decision was taken under the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations. “Except for events approved by the governorship and district governorates, all outdoor activities, including gatherings, marches, press statements, hunger strikes, sit-ins, rallies, setting up stands, pitching tents, distributing leaflets, hanging posters and banners, and support activities, are prohibited for 7 days in the city center and districts,” the statement read.

The ban comes amid escalating tensions following the fall of the Assad regime and ongoing clashes between Syrian opposition groups and the PKK/YPG terrorist organization in Syria.

The PKK, responsible for a 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, is recognized as a terrorist group by Türkiye, the U.S., and the EU, and has caused over 40,000 deaths. Its Syrian branch, the YPG, has long aimed to establish a foothold in the region.