Leader's murder in Syria angers Kurds

Dubai: The assassination of Kurdish leader Mesha'al Tammo has enraged Kurds in Syria and abroad, Ebrahim Al Yousuf, a Kurdish human rights activist, told Gulf News.

Yesterday, Syrian protesters stormed their country's diplomatic missions in Germany and Switzerland in protest against Friday's killing of the opposition leader.

Protesters attacked the Syrian consulate in the northern German port city of Hamburg early yesterday, causing damage to buildings and painting walls with slogans denouncing President Bashar Al Assad's regime, police officials said.

Turkey condemning Tammo's killing, yesterday warned Al Assad's government that violent suppression of the opposition "cannot turn back the course of history".

Foreign Minister Walid Mua'alem threatened "tough measures" against any country that recognises a new umbrella council formed by the Syrian opposition.

Many observers believe the assassination of Tammo will be an incentive for more Syrian minority groups, who have been relatively quiet, to stand up against the brutal crackdown.

"Tammo was looking for a different Syria and I think his death will help achieve this," Al Yousuf said.

Meanwhile, security forces shot dead at least three people at the funeral yesterday of a youth who died a day before in prison, human rights groups said.