Zagros Human Rights Center NGO with consultative status with ECOSOC
14 september 2026
The Centre Zagros pour les Droits de l’Homme is deeply concerned by the worsening security situation in Kobani (Ayn al-Arab) and other Kurdish-majority areas of northern and north-eastern Syria during September 2026. Recent events highlight the serious risk that individual acts of violence may trigger broader confrontation, fuelled by communal tensions, arrests, inflammatory rhetoric and the use of force.
On 10 September, the body of Sami Sheikhmous Hasso, known as “Sipan”, a Kurdish fighter serving within a formation now integrated into the Syrian army, was found in Hasakah Governorate after he had reportedly been abducted. His body bore several gunshot wounds. Syrian authorities stated that suspects had been identified and that efforts were under way to apprehend them.
His killing triggered demonstrations in Hasakah, Qamishli and Kobani, where protesters called for those responsible to be identified and brought to justice.
On 11 September, a demonstration in Kobani developed into clashes. Syrian authorities stated that some demonstrators attacked security posts and vehicles, injuring several members of the security forces, and announced a number of arrests. Local sources and human rights monitors, however, also reported gunfire, further arrests and the use of politically and ethnically provocative slogans by some members of the security forces.
Allegations of hostile or discriminatory language targeting Kurdish identity are particularly troubling and should be investigated promptly, independently and transparently.
During the night of 11–12 September, unrest broke out inside Kobani prison, reportedly amid concerns that some detainees might be transferred to Aleppo. A fire then spread through several cells.
The exact number of casualties remains disputed. Syrian authorities initially reported at least seven deaths and dozens of injuries, while several Kurdish and local sources reported between eight and nine deaths and approximately 17 to 20 injured prisoners, some of them seriously.
The circumstances surrounding the fire, the treatment of detainees and the conduct of the authorities must be fully clarified.
Syrian authorities have since announced an investigation into the incident. This is an important first step, but any investigation must be independent, transparent and credible, and families of the victims must be kept informed and allowed to participate meaningfully in the process. Several Kurdish political parties have also called for an independent investigation.
The Centre Zagros pour les Droits de l’Homme calls on the Syrian authorities to protect civilians, respect the right to peaceful assembly, prevent excessive or unnecessary use of force, disclose the names and whereabouts of those arrested, and ensure that detainees have access to their families, lawyers and appropriate medical care.
We further call on the United Nations and the international community to closely monitor these developments, support independent documentation of possible violations, and press all parties to prevent reprisals, collective punishment, discrimination and incitement to hatred based on Kurdish identity.
Syria’s political transition cannot succeed through fear, exclusion or impunity. Lasting stability requires justice, accountability, equality before the law, respect for Kurdish linguistic and cultural rights, and effective protection for all communities without discrimination.
Centre Zagros pour les Droits de l’Homme
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