Violent disorder erupted on Wilmslow Road in Rusholme, famously known as the Curry Mile, in south Manchester on the evening of Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The unrest, which began around 8pm, stemmed from a protest regarding the ongoing conflict in Syria, specifically between government troops and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

As the demonstration progressed towards Manchester city centre and returned to Wilmslow Road, tensions escalated. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) reported that some protesters damaged property, smashed vehicle windows, and threw items at officers. Businesses along the Curry Mile were affected: A&A pharmacy staff saw individuals carrying Kurdish flags, while Chandni Jewellers had to lower shutters amid the unrest. One restaurant owner said protesters removed a Palestinian flag, sparking scuffles and broken windows.

In response, a senior GMP officer issued a section 34 dispersal order, allowing police to mandate that individuals leave the area or face arrest. Wilmslow Road was closed, and riot-trained Tactical Aid Unit officers were deployed. By approximately 10pm, the area had cleared, and no arrests were made at the scene. Superintendent Stephen Wiggins emphasized the force's commitment to protecting peaceful protest while taking robust action against those engaging in disorder. CCTV footage is being reviewed, and the public is encouraged to provide relevant information.

The protests reflect the deep-rooted impact of the Syrian conflict on Manchester’s local communities. Syria is still recovering from a prolonged civil war, which saw President Bashar al-Assad flee in 2024. Rebels led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, have since taken control of Damascus, while the SDF maintains authority over parts of northeastern Syria. Recent clashes and a breakdown in SDF-government negotiations sparked local outrage.

A particularly inflaming incident involved the al-Hol camp, where SDF forces reportedly abandoned their posts, allowing approximately 40 ISIS-linked prisoners to escape. These prisoners allegedly attacked women nearby, prompting members of the Kurdish community in Manchester to protest.

The return of the protest to Wilmslow Road saw confrontations between protesters of Kurdish and Syrian descent, highlighting how distant conflicts are directly affecting local streets. Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar, representing Rusholme, urged calm, stressing the need for dialogue and community cohesion.