European cities hit by violent YPG/SDF protests over Syria deal

Violent protests linked to supporters of the YPG/SDF terrorist group erupted on Tuesday in multiple European cities following the Syrian Army’s advance into Hasakah and Ayn al-Arab as part of an agreement reached with the Damascus administration. Demonstrations were organised after calls circulated across Europe, leading to clashes with police, vandalism and security incidents, some directly targeting Türkiye’s diplomatic presence.

Clashes with police across Switzerland and France

In Switzerland, police intervened to stop an unauthorised march by YPG/SDF supporters in Zurich, where demonstrators carrying the group’s symbols threw stones and other objects at officers. Water cannons were used to disperse the crowd, and authorities reported damage to public property. Similar protests were held in Bern, Lausanne and Geneva. In France, confrontations were reported in Paris, where protesters targeted police with fireworks, prompting the use of pepper spray. Additional unauthorised demonstrations took place at Invalides Square and in Strasbourg, where masked individuals attempted to march toward the US Consulate and again clashed with police.

London protests contained by police

In the United Kingdom, a group of YPG/SDF supporters gathered near Downing Street before marching toward Parliament. Protesters staged a sit-in at a nearby intersection, but police redirected the group back to Downing Street following warnings. An attempt to move toward Trafalgar Square was blocked, and the demonstration ended after a brief scuffle.

Attack on Türkiye’s embassy in Berlin

In Germany, Berlin police said around 40 individuals attacked the perimeter of Türkiye’s Embassy on Tiergarten Street shortly after midnight. The group reportedly threw paint at the embassy’s iron fences, wrote slogans on the pavement and set off smoke bombs before fleeing into Tiergarten Park. Two suspects, aged 19 and 20, were detained, and the investigation is being handled by state security units. Authorities suspect the attack was carried out by supporters of the YPG/SDF terrorist group.

Background to the Syria agreement

Earlier on Tuesday, the Syrian presidency announced a “mutual understanding” with the SDF regarding the future of eastern Hasakah province, effective from 8 p.m. local time. Under the arrangement, the SDF was granted four days for consultations to prepare a plan for integrating the areas. The deal followed a Syrian Army operation that regained large parts of eastern and northeastern Syria after repeated alleged violations by the SDF of previous agreements signed with Damascus nearly a year ago.