Turkish authorities have arrested hundreds of suspects following violent attacks on Syrians in Kayseri, central Turkey. The violence, which erupted last Sunday, targeted Syrian-owned shops and properties after a Syrian individual was arrested on suspicion of harassing a minor. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the arrest of 474 individuals, with 285 having criminal records. He urged citizens to remain calm and avoid illegal activities.
Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Guler emphasized that efforts to disrupt public order would be thwarted by state institutions. He highlighted the ongoing monitoring of negative perceptions and tensions related to Syrian refugees. Meanwhile, video clips on social media showed the destruction of Syrian-owned properties, with some Turkish citizens expressing strong anti-Syrian sentiments.
The Turkish Intelligence Service announced plans to track down instigators both domestically and in northern Syria. They have already arrested several individuals in various cities, including Antakya, Gaziantep, Kayseri, Konya, Bursa, and Istanbul, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and security forces. The intelligence statement suggested that these inflammatory acts aimed to target Turkey's foreign policies.
In northern Syria, anti-Turkish protests have led to the deaths of seven people. Demonstrations erupted in several areas controlled by the Syrian armed opposition, condemning the attacks on Syrian refugees in Kayseri. Protesters called on the Turkish government to protect Syrian refugees and prevent further violence. Some protesters blocked Turkish vehicles in the Aleppo countryside, leading to exchanges of gunfire with Turkish forces in Afrin.
The Syrian National Army, aligned with the opposition, urged Syrians in liberated areas to avoid being drawn into conflicts that could sabotage institutions. They stressed the importance of peaceful demonstrations and warned against exploitation by enemies of the revolution. Revolutionary and civil activities in Idlib also issued statements condemning the attacks on Syrian refugees in Turkey.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the violence against Syrian refugees, stating that hate speech should not be used for political gain. He emphasized that acts of xenophobic violence are unacceptable. Turkey, which hosts approximately 3.2 million Syrian refugees, has experienced several incidents of xenophobic violence in recent years, often sparked by rumors on social media.
- In response to the violence, Turkish media and public figures have called for calm and adherence to the law. Security measures around the Syrian consulate in Istanbul have been strengthened.
- In northern Syria, the death toll from the protests has risen to seven, with six deaths reported in Afrin and one in Jarablos. The protests were a reaction to the attacks on Syrian businesses in Kayseri. Relative calm has returned to the area, but tensions remain high.
- The Turkish army controls significant border areas in northern Syria, having conducted operations against Kurdish groups. Turkey has supported opposition groups seeking to overthrow the Syrian president but is now attempting to rebuild ties with Damascus, which demands the withdrawal of Turkish troops from northern Syria.
