QAMISHLI, Syria: With Syria’s Islamist-led government bearing down on Kurdish forces, residents of their last major enclave are on alert, mindful of last year’s violence against other minority groups and determined to preserve their self-rule.
In the Kurdish-majority city of Qamishli in the northeast, a mechanic, a storekeeper, and a student were among those taking part in a nighttime volunteer patrol this week, vowing to defend their area and putting little faith in a shaky ceasefire.
“We’re going out to guard our neighborhoods, to stand with our people and protect our land,” said Yazan Ghanem, 23. “This is our land. We won’t accept any outside interference in our areas.”
’FEARS AND DOUBTS’ WEIGH ON KURDS, SAYS RESIDENT
It reflects simmering tensions despite the US-backed ceasefire, which was extended on Saturday for 15 days. Some clashes have taken place since then.
