HRW confirms continuation of Turkish mercenary crimes

Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that the National Army mercenaries continue to detain, extort, and mistreat civilians in northern Syria, even though they have been integrated into the Damascus authorities' army and their commanders have been appointed to senior positions, with no accountability.

"The Syrian transitional government has a responsibility to stop the violations and hold those responsible accountable,” the organization said, calling for the “exclusion of those involved in past violations and ensuring civilian oversight of the security services."

The report also stated that "among the implicated commanders who hold high-ranking positions: Mohammed al-Jassim (Abu Amsha), Saif Bolad (Saif Abu Bakr), Fahim Issa, and Ahmed al-Hayes (Abu Hatem Shaqra)."

The report documented "cases of torture, extortion and arbitrary detention of Kurds and other civilians, including beatings, nail extractions, financial extortion of families, and fines for those returning to their areas." The report also recorded "cases of kidnapping, theft, threats of violence, and holding people until a ransom is paid."

The report emphasized that "despite the signing of agreements to integrate forces and stabilize them, the factions continue to exercise their authority outside the law." The organization called for "ending Turkish support for these factions, granting independent monitors access to all places of detention, and ensuring the safe and voluntary return of displaced people."

Adam Coogle, the organization's deputy Middle East director, concluded by warning: "If the figures involved in the abuses are not removed and held accountable, the Syrian people will continue to be vulnerable to abuses from their new army."

Sh-S

ANHA