The fighting in the northeastern city erupted after a pro-Syrian government protest against the Kurdish authorities, the Voice of America reported on Sunday, citing a local source.

Part of Hasaka is controlled by the U.S. backed Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), dominated by the People's Protection Units (YPG) militia, which Turkey says is linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). The remainder is under the control of the Syrian government and allied militia.

The fighting erupted after the Kurdish security forces opened fire on the protest in the city wounding four people, one of whom died shortly afterward, the VOA said. Pro-Syrian government militants then fired on a checkpoint controlled by the Kurds, it said.

Tensions between the two sides have been increasing in recent weeks, VOA said.

Turkey has launched military operations against Kurdish forces in northern Syria over the past few years, such as Operation Peace Spring and Operation Spring Shield.

The PKK, which has fought for political autonomy in Turkey for four decades, is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.

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