Syria: Damascus appoints SDF commander to defence post, tensions simmer in Qamishli

Syria's Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday that prominent Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) official Sipan Hamo would assume the role of deputy minister for the country's eastern region.

A source in the ministry confirmed Hamo's appointment to Syria TV, while the Director of the Media and Communications Department at the ministry, Asim Ghalion, officially confirmed the news to state media outlets.

This decision comes as part of implementing the mechanism for integrating the SDF into the institutions of the Ministry of Defence and the Syrian government, in accordance with the 18 January agreement between the two sides.

Hamo’s appointment has raised many questions about the decision and the future of his role, given his previous positions, which are considered among the most hardline toward the Syrian government within the People’s Protection Units (YPG) and the SDF.

Tensions in Qamishli

Tensions are simmering in Syria’s Qamishli after armed men attacked and set fire to a tent used for mourners to gather and pay their respects in a funeral ceremony, reports on Wednesday said.

The incident has sparked confrontations in the city, with some accusing members of the Revolutionary Youth group, affiliated with the Democratic Union Party, of carrying out the attack.

Sources close to the family of the deceased man, Alaa Adnan al-Amin, said that an armed group attacked the family home during the funeral ceremony, setting the tent used to welcome mourners alight.

The sources added that at the same time, machine gun fire was heard in the vicinity, spreading panic among locals.

According to local media, sources said the attack was carried out at the same time the family was demanding an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of their son.

The family believe he died under torture carried out by internal security forces, also known as Asayish, following months of detention.

The general command of the internal security forces issued a statement in response, reading: “On March 8, some media outlets and social media platforms circulated information about the death of Alaa Al-Amin, who was visiting the area from Sweden, along with the circumstances of his death”.

It continued: “A high level investigative committee, comprised of specialists and legal experts, has been formed to examine the details of the incident and determine the circumstances of the death".

The statement also said the results of the probe would be released as soon as it was completed, and that any perpetrators would be held accountable.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, there were no charges against al-Amin, and he was a Swedish citizen.

The network determined that he was arrested on 20 October after SDF forces raided his home, without a warrant or informing his family of the reason.

The network also found that his body had severe signs of torture, including fractures to the head and rib cage, while a coroner has indicated he was likely killed in January this year.