Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
Department of Media and Communications
May 21, 2021
The PYD terrorist militia cracked down on peaceful demonstrators protesting the decision to raise prices and extort more money from the people living in the areas under the PYD’s control. PYD militants used live ammunition to suppress the protestors who chanted slogans denouncing the agendas of these organizations and militias, which contravene the Syrian national vision.
The brutal crackdown resulted in the death of seven protestors and the injury of dozens more in Al-Hasakah, Qamishli, Al-Shaddadi, Amouda, Al-Malikiyah and the surrounding towns and villages, which witnessed a general strike and the closure of shops.
The PYD militia also launched raids and arrest campaign in these areas, in continuation of its terrorist practices and attacks that affected tens of thousands of civilians and activists from various components of the Syrian people over the past several years. Such practices are clearly aimed at consolidating the authoritarian, oppressive environment that this militia inherited from the Assad regime.
The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) salutes the heroes who remain steadfast in the face of this terrorist militia as it applauds their uprising and commitment to the national principles and ideals of the revolution of the Syrian people.
The SOC reaffirms its rejection and denunciation of the stances of the states that remained silent about the crimes of these organizations. It reiterates the call to hold accountable those responsible for these crimes, and to work to dismantle and force all terrorist groups and militias as well as all foreign fighters out of Syria.