Tensions Rise Near Syrian Border Over Wall Construction

Police broke up protestors in Nusaybin in the southeasters province of Mardin during a demonstration against the construction of a wall. Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) deputy Erol Dora and local chairman Reşat Kaymaz were also among those who were affected by the police intervention. 

The incident took place yesterday in Nusaybin’s Şirin Boulevard where demonstrators confronted police barricades. 

We will not allow demonstrations on the border due to “mine fields” in the area, police said.   Demonstrators, however, insisted on their march - a situation that changed police authorities’ mind and consult to Mardin Governor’s Office. 

Demonstrators initiated another march as the efforts yielded no results. Police intervention came in the form of tear gas and cannon water. A group reportedly managed to reach the border despite interventions. 

Clashes spilled over several locations in Nusaybin province and resumed overnight. 

On the other side of the border, hundreds of PYD members gathered to support demonstrators in Turkey. 

“The wall construction has been around two months ago,” Şiyar Ahmet, a border merchant, told Fırat News Agency (ANF). 

“They stated to build a wall from Şimşek, a border headquarters in Kilis province. At first, we thought that they were going to encircle the area around the headquarters. Then we realized that they extended the walls. They extended the wall from the headquarters to Doğançay and Tahtalı villages.”

Mesut Ali, another border merchant, told ANF that the wall construction was aimed against Rojava. 

“They didn’t do anything at location where gangs are very active. For instance, there is no such construction in Reyhanlı and Akçakale areas. They are building these shameful walls only in Kurdish populated areas.” (EKN/BM)

* Click here to read the original article in Turkish.