The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) tightened their grip across areas under their control last week, launching a series of raids and arrests in Deir Ezzor and Hasakah provinces. Local sources reported that new checkpoints were established north of Deir Ezzor, including one in the Maamel area, where civilians faced extended searches and identity checks. Raids followed in Hawaij and Al-Zar, resulting in the detention of at least four men from well-known families, fueling fear among residents.
In Hasakah, the SDF rolled out one of its largest recent operations, imposing a full lockdown on the city and sealing off all entrances. Shops closed and streets emptied as thousands of fighters combed neighborhoods including Ghuwayran, Nashwa, Zahour, Aziziyah, and Khashman. According to a correspondent for Syria TV, dozens of people were detained, many of them activists critical of the SDF or seen as sympathetic to Damascus.
Arrests Under the Banner of Counterterrorism
While the SDF announced that its campaign targeted Islamic State cells, residents accused the group of exploiting counterterrorism as a pretext to pursue political opponents. “The security campaign targeted a number of activists and citizens opposed to the SDF, in addition to individuals arrested for their family ties to opposition figures,” a source in Hasakah’s Ghuwayran neighborhood told Syria TV.
Among those arrested was Sheikh Imad al-Khalaf, the imam of Al-Tawhid Mosque, along with several members of the Al-Harith and Al-Aghawat families. Local media also reported the arrest of Iman al-Wardi, a woman suffering from chronic illness, raising concerns about mistreatment of detainees. Her relatives appealed to the Syrian government and rights groups for her release.
The SDF, in contrast, said its 14-hour operation involved 3,000 fighters and led to the capture of 51 alleged ISIS members, along with weapons and ammunition. Commanders claimed the arrests disrupted plots to attack Sinaa prison and Hawl camp.
Tensions With Syrian Government Forces
The security push comes amid renewed friction between the SDF and Syrian government units. On August 31, clashes were reported in the village of Tal Maaz in Aleppo’s eastern countryside. SANA said government forces ambushed an SDF group attempting to infiltrate army positions, while the SDF denied involvement and described the reports as “fabricated misinformation.”
The Syrian Ministry of Defense accused the SDF of targeting checkpoints and shelling villages in Aleppo province. Officials in Damascus warned that repeated violations of ceasefire agreements could trigger “new consequences” if the situation persists.
Mounting Criticism of SDF Rule
As the SDF emphasizes counterterrorism in its public statements, critics argue the campaigns erode trust among communities already wary of displacement and economic hardship. Local networks report growing frustration over arbitrary arrests, extended curfews, and restrictions on movement.
