In northern and eastern Syria, diesel is cheaper than water, it is said time and again. An attempt to raise the price of fuel has now been aborted after talks with the population. The Co-Presidency of the Executive Committee of North and East Syria cancelled the decision due to broad demands from the population.

Protests and provocations

Protests, which included armed provocateurs, had taken place the day before to protest the price increase. While the Asayish (local security forces) then withdrew to avoid an escalation, attacks by provocateurs reportedly appear to have escalated.

A statement by the Asayish on the clashes said: "After the Autonomous Administration decided to fix fuel prices, residents the region staged peaceful demonstrations to protest the decision. However, some individuals with ties to outside forces threatened peace and security by attempting to use this situation as an opportunity to incite hatred between the different population groups. They also used weapons against our forces and attacked civilian and military checkpoints. Many civilians and members of the internal security forces were wounded in the attacks. We call on the people to identify those who shot at civilians and ensure their punishment."