11 Oct 2019 | 07:03 PM UTC
Netherlands: Demonstration scheduled in The Hague October 12
Syria-related demonstration scheduled in The Hague on October 12; heightened security and localized transportation disruptions expected
Event
Activist groups have called for a demonstration to take place in The Hague on Saturday, October 12, to raise awareness of the situation in northeastern Syria. Participants are expected to gather at Malieveld at approximately 14:00 (local time).
A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are to be expected near the protest site.
Context
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced on October 5 that Turkey will launch a military operation in northeastern Syria in an attempt to expel Syrian Kurdish (People's Protection Units; YPG) forces from the Turkish border. Erdoğan stated that the air and ground operations will extend 30 km (19 mi) into Syria's northeastern border. Turkey considers the YPG to be a terrorist organization linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) group in Turkey.
Advice
Individuals in The Hague are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations, anticipate a heightened security presence and transportation disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
