Kurds lower Turkish flag to protest attacks on kin in Syria

Turkish Authorities Launch Investigation After Flag Incident on Syria Border

Summary:

Turkish authorities have launched an investigation after a group attempted to cross the border near Nusaybin and removed a Turkish flag along the frontier with Syria’s Qamishli. The incident followed a DEM Party gathering in southeastern Türkiye and prompted strong reactions from government officials and opposition leaders, who described the episode as a provocation aimed at undermining public order.

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Border Tensions After DEM Party Gathering

Tensions flared on Tuesday along the Türkiye–Syria border between the town of Nusaybin in Mardin province and the Syrian city of Qamishli after a crowd moved toward the border following a DEM Party group meeting.

According to security sources, some individuals attempted to breach border barriers and advance toward the Syrian side. Footage circulating on social media appeared to show a Turkish flag along the border being taken down or damaged.

Turkish security forces intervened to disperse the crowd, initially firing warning shots into the air. As the group continued to gather, additional units were deployed and tear gas and pepper spray were used to restore order. Some individuals were reported to have crossed the border wall into Syria before security measures were tightened.

Presidency and Interior Ministry Condemn Incident

The first official statement came from Burhanettin Duran, head of Türkiye’s Presidency of Communications, who said an investigation had been launched.

In a written statement, Duran described the incident as a provocation targeting public peace and Türkiye’s counterterrorism efforts, adding that those responsible would be identified and face legal and administrative action.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya also condemned the incident, calling it an attempt to undermine social unity. He said security forces would respond firmly to any actions directed against national symbols and public order.

The Ministry of National Defense later confirmed that an administrative inquiry had been initiated into the attempted border crossing and the attack on the flag.

Political Reactions Across the Spectrum

Political leaders from across Türkiye’s political spectrum issued statements condemning the incident.

CHP leader Özgür Özel said no provocation would succeed in damaging social cohesion, while Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş described the episode as unacceptable regardless of its source.

AK Party spokesperson Ömer Çelik said those responsible would “pay the price,” while Zafer Party leader Ümit Özdağ linked the incident to broader political debates over Türkiye’s security policies.

Parallel Developments in Syria–SDF Talks

The border incident came as attention was also focused on developments in northeastern Syria, where Syrian state media reported progress in talks between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Hasakah.

According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, an agreement aimed at integrating SDF structures into Syrian state institutions was expected to take effect later in the day. Reports said SDF commander Mazlum Abdi would be allowed to nominate candidates for senior administrative and defense-related posts as part of the framework.

Under the reported terms, Syrian army units would not enter city centers in Hasakah and Qamishli during an initial phase, while local security arrangements and political representation would be negotiated further. The agreement also envisages the gradual integration of SDF-affiliated military and security forces into Syria’s Defense and Interior ministries.

Damascus said the arrangement was intended to advance a unified Syrian state while safeguarding the rights of all communities.

Security Measures Reinforced

Turkish authorities said security along the Nusaybin–Qamishli border had been reinforced following the incident, and warned against attempts to exploit regional developments to provoke unrest.

The investigation into the flag incident and attempted border crossing remains ongoing. So far, 35 protestors have been detained.

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