Protests in Syria's Deir Ezzor Demand Release of Detainees Held by SDF

A photo posted on Facebook shows protests in the town of al-Izba.
A photo posted on Facebook shows protests in the town of al-Izba.
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Protests in Syria's Deir Ezzor Demand Release of Detainees Held by SDF

A photo posted on Facebook shows protests in the town of al-Izba.
A photo posted on Facebook shows protests in the town of al-Izba.

Protests broke out in various towns in Syria’s eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor, demanding better living conditions and services and the release of detainees held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Local Syrian news websites published Tuesday photos and videos of protests in the towns of al-Izba, al-Sour and Daman.

According to demonstrators, the SDF detained some members of their “Deir Ezzor Military Council” on charges of communicating with external parties hostile to the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (Rojava).

The residents also called for improving their living conditions and the equitable distribution of oil and fuel.

They blocked the main roads, set tires on fire, and raised banners condemning the arrests of soldiers who were on duty.

Areas held by the SDF and its civil administration have seen several similar protests, mostly demanding better services, the delivery of oil and fuel shares, fighting corruption, and compensation for people who lost their property in the international military operations against ISIS.



Hamas Releases Video of Man Identified as Gaza Hostage

 Palestinians look at a house targeted by an Israeli army strike in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP)
Palestinians look at a house targeted by an Israeli army strike in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP)
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Hamas Releases Video of Man Identified as Gaza Hostage

 Palestinians look at a house targeted by an Israeli army strike in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP)
Palestinians look at a house targeted by an Israeli army strike in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP)

Hamas on Saturday released a video purportedly of a hostage held in Gaza whom Israeli media identified as Maxim Herkin.

The video is undated and edited, however, the man makes references to an Israeli national holiday, which took place last week, and identifies himself as among the 59 hostages in Gaza.

The Palestinian group has regularly released videos of hostages over the course of the war.

Israeli officials have in the past dismissed such videos as propaganda that is designed to put pressure on the government.