Turkish riot police officers use tear gas to disperse protesters during a demonstration against the attacks by the Syrian government forces in Diyarbalir, on January 19, 2026. (AFP)
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Firstpost20-01-2026, 20:27

Pro-Kurd Demonstrators Clash with Police Near Turkey-Syria Border Amid Syrian Offensive

  • Clashes erupted in Nusaybin, Turkey, between police and pro-Kurdish protesters angered by a Syrian military offensive targeting Kurds.
  • The protest, called by Turkey's pro-Kurdish DEM party, saw over 1,000 demonstrators march towards the border, met with tear gas and water cannon.
  • The Syrian offensive pushed Kurdish-led SDF forces out of Aleppo and into northeastern areas, sparking fury among Kurds across the region.
  • Turkish President Erdogan's support for the Syrian offensive has angered Turkey's Kurds and raised doubts about the peace process with the PKK.
  • The PKK vowed to support Syrian Kurds, while DEM accused Ankara of hypocrisy for its stance, leading to further protests and arrests in Turkey.

Why It Matters: Pro-Kurdish protests escalate near the Turkey-Syria border as Syrian offensive fuels regional tensions.

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