Syria’s official news agency SANA, citing local sources, reported that the residents of the al-Shaddadi town, located about 38 kilometers (24 miles) from the border with Iraq, demonstrated on Thursday to express their deep opposition to the arbitrary practices of the militants, including the uptick in the number of civilian abductions and targeted killings, alongside their monopolistic behaviors and brutal use of force.
SANA added that the Syrian protesters blocked the main roads in the town, set a number of tires on fire and chanted slogans in condemnation of SDF conducts against the locals, calling for their exit.
According to the Syrian news agency’s report, a protester was killed and three others were wounded after US-backed militants opened fire on them.
Civilians in two northeastern Syrian villages stop US convoys and force them to return to their bases.
Security conditions are reportedly deteriorating in the areas controlled by the SDF in Hasakah and the neighboring Dayr al-Zawr province amid ongoing raids and arrests of civilians by the US-sponsored militants.
Numerous raids and arrests have taken place throughout Dayr al-Zawr province in recent months, including in the villages of Abu Haman, Basirah, al-Shuhayl, Abu Hamam, Garanij, al-Izba, Tabqa and Mansoura.
Locals argue that the SDF’s constant raids and arrest campaigns have generated a state of frustration and instability, severely affecting their businesses and livelihoods.
Syrian army finds major stocks of arms and ammunition, including US-made TOW anti-tank missiles in the southern part of the country.
Residents accuse the SDF of stealing crude oil and failing to spend money on service sectors.
Local councils affiliated with the US-backed militants have also been accused of financial corruption. They are said to be embezzling funds provided by donors, neglecting services and not meeting the people’s primary needs.
Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. The Syrian government says the Israeli regime and its Western and regional allies are aiding the Takfiri terrorist groups that are wreaking havoc in the country.
The government forces have already managed to undo militant gains across the country and bring back most of Syrian soil under government control.
