Violent protests by YPG/SDF supporters erupt in Marseille, France

Supporters of the YPG/SDF group staged a demonstration in the southern French city of Marseille on Thursday that escalated into violent confrontations with law enforcement and significant property damage. The unrest comes as the Syrian military begins operations following the reported collapse of a ceasefire with the SDF in Syria's northeast.

Clashes and damage in central Marseille

Approximately 2,500 demonstrators gathered in front of the prefecture building in Marseille's 6th arrondissement. The protest quickly turned violent, with participants throwing fireworks and other projectiles at police officers. The area surrounding the prefecture was heavily tear-gassed, and demonstrators caused substantial damage, including smashing shop windows and tearing down a public surveillance camera. Local Mayor Sophie Camard, who witnessed the events, denounced the "serious urban violence" on social media, directly questioning why state authorities allowed the situation to deteriorate.

Official condemnation and public disruption

Jacques Witkowski, the Prefect of Bouches-du-Rhône, strongly condemned the "acts of violence and the damage." He affirmed that internal security forces exist to protect peaceful assembly but stated unequivocally that "no breach of public order will be tolerated." The violence caused major disruptions in central Marseille; the town hall was closed as a precaution, 13 stations on a major tram line were shut down, and several bus routes were diverted or suspended. Clashes also spread to other parts of the city and the nearby town of Marignane, resulting in injuries to nine police officers.

Background in Syria's collapsing ceasefire

The protests in France were directly linked to rapidly unfolding events in Syria. The Syrian Arab Army has launched operations in northeastern regions after accusing the SDF of failing to comply with a recent ceasefire agreement. The deal required the SDF to withdraw its forces east of the Euphrates River and hand over administrative and security control of key provinces to the Syrian government. The SDF, which is dominated by the YPG, is considered a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the EU, and the U.S. due to its links to the PKK. The breakdown of this agreement and the subsequent military action have heightened tensions among the group's international supporters.