crimes continue in Afrin for eight years

On January 20, 2018, the Turkish occupation state launched its large-scale attack on the Afrin region, using various types of weapons and heavy air cover, targeting civilians and infrastructure. The people of Afrin, along with their fighters, waged heroic battles that lasted 58 days of continuous resistance, despite the significant disparity in military equipment, before being forced into mass displacement to avoid the massacres committed by Turkish-backed mercenaries.

On March 18, 2018, mercenaries seized control of the city of Afrin, displacing tens of thousands of its original inhabitants to the Shahba canton. Many lost their lives during their displacement due to shelling and direct targeting.

Here is a summary of the ongoing violations in Afrin over the past eight years, according to reports from the Afrin Human Rights Organization - Syria.

"Eight Years of Killing, Kidnapping, Assault, and Democratic Change in Afrin"

Since the beginning of the occupation, the original inhabitants of Afrin have been subjected to numerous violations. 10,208 people have been kidnapped, and the fate of many remains unknown, while some were released after paying ransoms. 778 people have been killed, 96 of whom died under torture. Regarding looting and destruction, 1.3 million olive trees and forests have been cut down in Afrin, and more than 12,000 hectares of land have been burned.

All the homes and properties of the displaced were seized and occupied by the families of the mercenaries.

Crimes Committed in Afrin During 2025

The Transitional Government assumed power in 2025 after the fall of the former regime, and violations in Afrin continue, as confirmed by data from the Afrin-Syria Human Rights Organization.

Between December 2024 and October 2025, more than 450 people, including 35 women and 7 minors, were kidnapped and detained. The fate of the abductees remains unknown, while those released are forced to pay ransoms. In addition, 34 people were kidnapped on the Deir Hafer and Afrin roads.

During 11 months, more than 50 people were killed, including 3 women, and more than 121 people, including 5 women, were subjected to torture, assault, abuse, and beatings, all at the hands of the mercenaries and their families.

Theft and Looting

Afrin is witnessing widespread theft, with enormous olive harvests stolen and more than 4,465 olive, pear, and pomegranate trees cut down, in addition to 5,100 forest trees. More than 70 hectares of land have also been burned in Afrin this year.

Fawzi Suleiman, co-chair of the Afrin and Shahba Displaced Persons Council in Hasakah, spoke to ANHA agency about the violations and crimes taking place in Afrin.

Suleiman pointed to the increasing violations and crimes committed by the Turkish state and its mercenaries in Afrin, stressing that they are unacceptable. He noted that the demographic changes in Afrin aim to displace its original inhabitants, seizing their homes and properties by force. These violations have been ongoing for eight years.

Fawzi Suleiman said, "We hoped to live together in a democratic Syria, but what is happening in Afrin is far removed from human decency. These violations are aimed at bringing about demographic change in Afrin. Therefore, the international powers and the transitional government must expel these mercenaries from Afrin."

"The crimes continue, and the violations have not stopped." Suleiman spoke about the theft of olive crops, saying, "Olive crops and the property of displaced people have been subjected to theft and looting for eight years. The crops are not returned to the original inhabitants, nor are their properties and homes returned to them, even if they pay money. Settlers and mercenaries stole their crops again this year. The rights of the people of Afrin must be protected, and the looting must be stopped."

Fawzi Suleiman commented on the changing language and culture of the people of Afrin, saying, "The killings, kidnappings, assaults, and demographic changes have continued for eight years, right before the eyes of the world and amid the silence of all international organizations. They want to change the culture, language, and identity of the region, imposing Turkification policy."

Suleiman concluded, "International organizations must fulfill their duty and investigate all the violations in Afrin so that the displaced can return to their homes safely."

ANHA