Deputy Governor of al-Hasakah (northeastern Syria) and spokesperson for the presidential team Ahmed al-Hilali said 12 military personnel were lightly to moderately wounded in an ambush that targeted a bus carrying members of the 60th Division in rural al-Hasakah.

Enab Baladi’s correspondent in al-Hasakah reported that a bus transporting Ministry of Defense personnel was attacked by unidentified assailants at dawn on Thursday, 18 June, on the Tal Tamr, Ras al-Ain road in rural al-Hasakah.

No party had claimed responsibility for the attack by the time this report was prepared.

The attack caused several injuries among Ministry of Defense personnel who were on the bus, according to the correspondent.

The relevant authorities began a criminal investigation and a broad intelligence inquiry to uncover the circumstances of the ambush, according to al-Hilali.

In a statement published by the al-Hasakah Media Directorate at dawn on Friday, 19 June, al-Hilali said military and security efforts would be combined to establish security in every part of the governorate and ensure that such “terrorist acts” are not repeated.

For his part, Syrian Assistant Minister of Defense Samir Oso, also known as Siban Hamo, condemned the ambush, describing it as a “criminal act.”

Oso said on X that coordination was underway with security forces and the relevant agencies to pursue the perpetrators, arrest those involved, and refer them to justice.

Mahmoud Khalil Ali, deputy director of internal security in al-Hasakah, also condemned the attack that targeted the military bus in rural al-Hasakah and wounded several people, wishing them all a speedy recovery.

Specialized security units were instructed to begin the necessary procedures and investigations to identify the perpetrator and gather evidence against those responsible for the incident, Ali said, adding that they would be tried under the laws in force.

Ali said on his X account that internal security was committed to protecting security and stability in the area against anyone seeking to disrupt civil peace, and to confronting them firmly within the law until security and social stability are achieved.

Asayish Security Campaign

Meanwhile, the Internal Security Forces, known as Asayish, and the Counterterrorism Forces, known as HAT, both affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), began a security campaign in al-Hasakah city on 3 June. The campaign coincided with the announcement of new security measures, including tighter monitoring of vehicles and a ban on motorcycles within the governorate’s administrative boundaries.

Enab Baladi’s correspondent in al-Hasakah reported at the time that main streets, intersections, and roundabouts in the city saw a heavy deployment of security personnel, with checkpoints and inspection points set up in several neighborhoods and main entrances.

Hawar News Agency, which is close to the SDF, quoted an Asayish source as saying the campaign came as part of efforts to strengthen security and stability inside the city and curb crimes witnessed in the past period, especially mugging, theft, and armed assault.

The source added that the campaign would continue for a full month, until the end of June, and would focus mainly on regulating motorcycles and following up on violations related to their use, along with pursuing wanted individuals and taking security measures aimed at reducing crimes and abuses.

Security Fragility Despite Military Calm

The deteriorating 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, city residents continue to speak of persistent security fragility. They cite the city’s proximity to contact lines and the lack of a clear vision for managing the security file in a way that limits repeated crimes.