People's Council elections begin in northeastern Syria

People's Council elections began on Monday in Hasaka province in northeastern Syria and in Ayn al-Arab district, which is part of Aleppo province. According to the Anadolu Agency, the elections are being held under an agreement reached between the Syrian central government and the YPG, which Turkey designates as a terrorist organization.

Both regions where the elections are taking place have long been under the de facto control of the YPG. Hasaka ranks among the most populous and strategically important cities in northeastern Syria, while Ayn al-Arab holds particular significance in terms of regional balance due to its proximity to Aleppo.

Northeastern Syria continues to be a critical region that Turkey closely monitors in terms of its security priorities. Turkey considers the YPG to be the Syrian extension of the PKK and designates it as a terrorist organization, opposing its presence in the region at every opportunity. Developments regarding the progress of the election process and turnout figures continue to be reported by the Anadolu Agency.