The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) carried out a new wave of raids and arrests in northeastern Syria, targeting civilians across Raqqa and Hasakah provinces, according to multiple local news networks. The operations, conducted earlier this week, left one journalist wounded and dozens of residents detained, sparking renewed concern among human rights observers about ongoing abuses in SDF-controlled areas.
Local sources, in Hasakah reported, the SDF arrested 14-year-old Murad Nasr al-Shalo from the village of Umm al-Keif October 13 and transferred him to a recruitment camp. In neighboring Raqqa province, journalist Ibrahim al-Ashwi was seriously injured when SDF members opened fire during a raid on his home in the town of Kabsh, northwest of Raqqa.
His brother was later detained, allegedly to pressure the family to surrender him following his hospitalization. Residents said additional patrols stormed several neighborhoods in western Raqqa, firing live rounds during searches. The number and identities of those arrested remain unclear.
Expanding Raids in Deir Ezzor and Qamishli
Simultaneous operations were reported in Deir Ezzor and the Qamishli countryside. According to Khabour Network, SDF forces raided the towns of Dhiban and Quriyah, arresting multiple residents, including Muhammad Mukhlif al-Hanin and his son Abdulaziz. In Khirbet Ammo, east of Qamishli, an SDF convoy of over 40 armored vehicles sealed off the village at dawn Monday, detaining over 50 young men.
Witnesses told local outlets that SDF fighters confiscated personal valuables such as money and gold jewelry, along with hunting rifles kept by villagers. “They came in the middle of the night, broke into homes, and arrested people without explanation,” one resident was quoted as saying by local news pages.
Accusations of Political Retaliation
Reports indicate that many of the recent detentions are linked to expressions of support for the Syrian government. Activists reported that since the signing of a preliminary agreement between Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi, dozens of civilians have been detained for raising the Syrian flag or sharing pro-government messages on social media.
Although the “Autonomous Administration” (AANES) has officially adopted Syria’s flag, residents and human rights groups say SDF units continue to arrest individuals for displaying it in public or possessing images of the national flag or President al-Sharaa. The SDF routinely accuses detainees of ties to ISIS, yet local activists and families insist the allegations are unfounded and politically motivated.
Growing Tension in the Northeast
The latest wave of arrests has deepened mistrust between the SDF and local communities in Hasakah, Raqqa, and Deir Ezzor, where tensions have persisted since the SDF consolidated control during the 14-year conflict with US-led coalition support. Human rights groups have repeatedly accused the SDF of arbitrary detention, forced conscription, use of child soldiers and harsh security practices fueling resentment among Arab tribes and Kurdish civilians alike. As one Raqqa resident told local reporters, “People are terrified. Every night we wait for the sound of doors being broken.”
