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Thousands Protest in Qamishli Amid Kurdish Conflict Crisis

1/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Thousands of Syrian Kurds protested in Qamishli on January 13, 2026, against expulsion of Kurdish fighters from Aleppo.
The protests followed five days of clashes that left 23 dead and displaced more than 150,000.
Demonstrators criticized President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Turkish officials and called for constitutional Kurdish rights.
Protesters fear the conflict could deepen regional divisions and hinder peace efforts.

History

Historical Context

The Syrian Civil War, which escalated in 2016, saw Kurdish forces, particularly the YPG, gain control over significant territories amid ongoing ethnic conflicts. By this time, over 2.5 million Kurds were affected by the war. Protests in Qamishli reflect the enduring struggle for Kurdish autonomy, highlighting tensions with Turkey and the fragile peace in Syria, with implications for future stability.

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Story summary

Thousands of Syrian Kurds protested in Qamishli on January 13, 2026, against expulsion of Kurdish fighters from Aleppo.
The protests followed five days of clashes that left 23 dead and displaced more than 150,000.
Demonstrators criticized President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Turkish officials and called for constitutional Kurdish rights.
Protesters fear the conflict could deepen regional divisions and hinder peace efforts.

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