Syrian security forces have still not managed to quell protests by Kurds which erupted on Friday during a soccer game and triggered violent incidents across the country. At least 15 Syrian Kurds were killed in Qamishli, a Kurdish town in northeast Syria, when fans of the guest team started shouting slogans in support of ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. According to Kurdish sources, dozens more Kurds were killed over the weekend by Syrian security forces in the upsurge following Friday’s events.
Riots have spread to the extent that Syrian diplomats are now intervening to mediate between the Kurds and the ruling Ba’ath Party, according to the London-based daily A-Sharq Al-Awsat. Politicians and members of human rights groups met with Syrian security officials in a bid to contain the continuing riots and prevent a domestic conflict from erupting and getting out of hand. Syria seemingly wishes to solve the situation without outside help.
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Violence spread to other districts as rioters damaged governmental buildings and disrupted the order, according to a Syrian media source quoted in the newspaper. He said an investigative committee has been set up to look into the matter and bring those responsible to justice. Other sources said Kurds displayed American flags in public view.
Syrian officials said “schemers” took advantage of Friday’s incidents which do not reflect the Syrian principle of tolerance and that there are Kurds who wish to promote advancement in Syria and strive for national unity.