The Internal Security Forces (Asayish) and the Special Security Forces (HAT), affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), began a security campaign on Wednesday, June 3, in al-Hasakah (northeastern Syria), alongside new security measures that include tighter vehicle monitoring and a ban on motorcycle movement within the governorate’s administrative boundaries.
Enab Baladi’s correspondent in al-Hasakah reported that the city’s main streets, intersections, and roundabouts saw a heavy deployment of security personnel from the early morning hours, with checkpoints and inspection points set up in several neighborhoods and at main entrances.
Hawar News Agency, which is close to the SDF, quoted an Asayish source as saying the campaign comes as part of efforts to strengthen security and stability inside the city and reduce crimes recorded during the past period, especially mugging, theft, and armed assaults.
The source added that the campaign will continue for a full month and will focus mainly on seizing motorcycles and following up on violations related to their use, alongside pursuing wanted persons and taking security measures aimed at reducing crimes and abuses.
Security Deployment Across City Neighborhoods
The campaign coincided with an announcement by the Asayish in al-Hasakah that it had begun implementing broad security measures across the region, based on what it described as the requirements of the public interest and the duty to preserve order and stability.
Hawar News Agency, which is close to the SDF, quoted the Asayish as saying the new measures are being implemented in coordination among its various departments and affiliated units. The measures focus on pursuing wanted persons, reducing crimes and abuses, and controlling violations that affect community security and citizens’ safety.
The measures also include regulating traffic, applying laws and regulations related to vehicles, and enforcing the ban on motorcycles violating a previously issued circular inside al-Hasakah city.
The forces affirmed in their statement that security measures would continue in the coming period, saying the goal is to reach higher levels of public safety and preserve residents’ security.
Motorcycle Ban and Tougher Penalties
In a related context, the Asayish also issued a circular banning the movement of motorcycles of all types within the governorate’s administrative boundaries.
It explained that the decision followed a recorded rise in crime and accident rates linked to motorcycle use, based on security reports and statistics. It said the measure aims to preserve citizens’ security and safety.
According to the statement, all security units and patrols were assigned to follow up on implementation of the decision around the clock and take the necessary legal measures against violators.
The statement noted that any motorcycle found in violation of the decision will be impounded under an official report prepared by the competent authorities, with legal and administrative measures taken against its driver or owner without exception.
Crime Rises in al-Hasakah
These measures come as al-Hasakah city is witnessing a noticeable rise in crime rates, according to what Enab Baladi has monitored in recent months. The city and its outskirts have recorded several incidents of murder, armed robbery, and theft, amid growing complaints from residents over the deteriorating security situation.
During the past period, mugging and armed assault incidents recurred in several city neighborhoods, along with murders and quarrels in which firearms were used, raising residents’ fears and pushing them to demand more effective measures to control the security situation.
Security Fragility Despite Military De-Escalation
The deterioration in the security situation followed field developments in al-Hasakah governorate since mid-January, when the Syrian army took control of wide areas of the governorate’s southern and eastern countryside, while al-Hasakah city center remained under SDF control.
Despite understandings reached between the Syrian government and the SDF in late January, which helped reduce military tension and halt direct confrontations, residents of the city still speak of an ongoing state of security fragility, amid the city’s proximity to contact lines and the absence of a clear vision for managing the security file in a way that limits recurring crimes.
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