Protests in Northern Syria against Turkish Foreign Minister continue on second day

Protests in Northern Syria against Turkish Foreign Minister continue on second day
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Protests continued after Friday prayers across more than 30 locations in Northern Syria

On Thursday the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu’s statement on the possibility of a reconciliation with the Syrian government led to protests by the Syrian opposition in the Turkish-controlled areas. The next day, the protests continued after Friday prayers following the calls made by the Syrian opposition groups.

UK-based SOHR (Syrian Observatory for Human Rights) said protests were held in more than 30 locations across northern Syria. These include the cities of Azaz, Afrin, al-Bab, Tal-Abyad, Idlib, and Jarablus.

In Al-Bab, small protests began on Thursday night with dozens holding opposition slogans. And in Azaz, protesters threw rocks at Turkish armored vehicles near the Azaz police station and burned a Turkish flag. Protesters also vandalized the Ottoman Nation’s Park built by the Turkish administration.

Protests also occurred near border crossings with Turkey. In Idlib’s Mastuma area, dozens gathered at a Turkish Army checkpoint. SOHR noted that Turkish soldiers fired tear gas shells at protesters. In Jarablus, SOHR reported that Turkish forces fired bullets in the air to keep protesters away from the border crossing and at least nine civilians were arrested after being accused of “calling for anti-Turkey protests.”

Outside the Turkish controlled areas, according to France24, protests were held in the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) controlled areas including the Idlib city center.