Local reports indicate that two young men, identified as Zuhair al-Namsha and Maimoun, were killed during a Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) raid in the Wahb neighborhood of Tabqa in Raqqa’s countryside on Monday. The Sharqiya correspondent network stated that over 15 people were arrested in the same operation without charges being made public.
In Deir Ezzor, Nahar Media reported that Muhammad al-Eidat was shot dead by SDF members during an attempted arrest in his home in Jadid Akidat. Raids also spread to nearby towns including Darnaj and Tayyana, heightening tensions in eastern Syria.
Accusations of Political Suppression
While the SDF claims such operations target ISIS affiliates, activists and residents say the accusations are often politically motivated. Sources cited by Syria TV explained dozens have been detained in recent months for raising Syria’s flag, possessing images of President Ahmad al-Sharaa, or posting pro-government messages.
Despite the Autonomous Administration’s (AANES) public adoption of the revolutionary flag, arrests linked to expressions of Syrian national identity have continued. Syria TV reported over 50 people, including children and elderly residents, were detained in Muwailih, Raqqa province, earlier this week amid heavy gunfire.
Escalation Against State Forces
SDF actions have also extended to clashes with government forces. On September 22, a Syrian army member was killed and two others wounded when their vehicle was struck attacked Aleppo’s Layramoun roundabout. Local press reported the SDF claimed it was responding to attacks from “uncontrolled factions” linked to the Defense Ministry.
The violence comes despite the March 10 agreement signed between President Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, calling for integration of SDF institutions into the Syrian state and a cessation of hostilities. Researcher Muhammad Suleiman told Syria TV repeated incidents represent a breach of the accord, adding that hardline SDF elements tied to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) appear intent on provoking further confrontation.
Counterterrorism as Leverage
The SDF maintains its focus on anti-ISIS operations, reporting 70 raids since December 2024 with the support of the US-led coalition. According to SDF statements, those efforts led to the arrest of 95 suspects, including three leaders, while 30 SDF fighters and six civilians have been killed in retaliatory attacks.
However, analysts warn that the SDF is using the presence of thousands of ISIS detainees in its prisons as political leverage. By framing its role as indispensable in counterterrorism, the group has strengthened ties with international partners while facing criticism from Arab tribes, activists, and local communities who say the fight against ISIS is being used to justify political repression.
Schools and Society Under Strain
Beyond security operations, residents in Hasakah and Raqqa have voiced anger over AANES’s education policies. Arab tribal leaders rejected the imposition of an SDF curriculum and the closure of state-run schools, citing damage to the educational future of thousands of students.
As President Sharaa is in New York for the United Nations’ 80th session of General Assembly, ongoing arrests, civilian deaths, and disputes over governance continue to cast doubt on the SDF’s willingness to abide by its commitments under the March agreement.
