For the first time in several months, fierce clashes broke-out between fighters from the predominately Kurdish militia, “People’s Protection Units” (YPG), and the Syrian Government backed, “National Defense Forces” (NDF), at the Tal Hajjar Quarter in the provincial capital of Al-Hasakah.
The 2 groups exchanged a barrage of mortar shells that struck numerous neighborhoods in the city of Al-Hasakah, killing fighters from both sides and local civilians, including a young woman identified as Lamia Al-Hammoud. The mortar shell exchange escalated into intense clashes near the primary checkpoint on the border of Tal Hajjar and Al-Maskin, resulting in its subsequent capture by the YPG forces.
Following the clashes near the Tal Hajjar Checkpoint, the YPG led an attack on the Al-Hasakah Police Station and the grammar school. Despite claims by YPG sources of its capture, the Al-Hasakah Police State remained under NDF control. Firefights would also breakout at the Al-Hasakah Fire Station – an area contested before – and the local gymnasium before a temporary ceasefire was issued last night; it would last until early Saturday morning.
After the ceasefire was broken again between the NDF and YPG, mortar shells were once again exchanged. 9 NDF fighters were reportedly killed during the clashes with the YPG, including their field commander, Ahmad Al-Younis. Another ceasefire was implemented at 6 P.M. Damascus Time, requiring all civilians to remain in their homes temporarily. No clashes have been reported since this ceasefire agreement.
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