Demonstrations erupted in the Aleppo province of Syria on Saturday, triggered by a recent crackdown on civilians accused of desecrating the Turkish flag, as reported by the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).

In the city of al-Bab, located in northeast Aleppo and controlled by Turkish-backed Syrian militia groups, tens of people gathered in front of the local police station. The protests were ignited after police forces arrested two civilians for participating in anti-Turkey demonstrations, which were in response to the targeting of Syrian nationals in several Turkish provinces.

According to SOHR, the protesters are demanding the immediate release of the two civilians, whose current status remains unknown.

Earlier this month, north and northwest Syria witnessed widespread protests in areas controlled by pro-Turkey groups. These demonstrations were sparked by attacks on Syrian homes and businesses in Turkey’s central Kayseri province, following accusations against a Syrian man of sexually harassing a child.

In cities such as al-Bab, al-Rai, Azaz, and Afrin, large crowds took to the streets, blocked roads, and targeted Turkish institutions and checkpoints. Social media footage showed demonstrators tearing and stepping on the Turkish flag, with one video allegedly showing a Turkish soldier being forced to kiss the flag of the Syrian opposition. Another video showed uniformed men bringing down the Turkish flag.

The clashes between protesters and Turkish forces have resulted in eight deaths.

These recent escalations occur amid ongoing efforts for rapprochement between Ankara and the Syrian government in Damascus. Throughout the Syrian conflict, Turkey has supported rebel forces, including those with ties to al-Qaeda and other extremist groups. Additionally, Turkey has launched several incursions into Syrian territory, notably against the Kurds in Afrin in 2018.

The Syrian civil war began in March 2011 when Syrians rose up against the Assad regime, leading to a conflict that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and left millions in dire need of humanitarian assistance.