Seizure of civilian property and imposition of levies in Afrin

The Afrin region continues to witness the seizure of civilian property and the imposition of extortion fees by the so-called "Economic Committee." This body comprises members of factions backed by Turkey that operate under the umbrella of the Syrian Interim Government's Ministry of Defense.

According to reports, these seizures target lands, homes, and shops belonging to Kurdish citizens—particularly expatriates or the forcibly displaced—citing their absence from the area. The Human Rights Organization in Afrin notes that these practices are concentrated in the Rajo district of the Afrin countryside.

The organization indicated that these groups extort sums ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 from residents and returnees at gunpoint. These payments are demanded in exchange for the recovery of homes or guarantees that olive groves and oil presses will not be interfered with; additionally, the groups sometimes demand a share of the harvest amounting to up to 50 percent of its value.

Recently, these unofficial groups have also intensified efforts to inventory lands and olive groves in the Rajo district in preparation for their seizure. They justify these actions by claiming the owners are absent or by classifying the properties as state assets—ignoring the presence of the owners' relatives in the area—with the ultimate aim of exploiting the land and selling the produce to third parties.

Interviews with many recently returned local residents confirm that the security and judicial bodies affiliated with the Interim Government have so far failed to curb these practices or hold those responsible accountable.

This situation limits the ability of affected individuals to assert their rights, as they fear extortion, kidnapping, or assault.

According to the Human Rights Organization in Afrin, the persistence of these violations has deterred hundreds of families from returning to their homes—despite the return of thousands of displaced persons to the area—due to concerns regarding the lack of secure housing and ongoing financial extortion.

Meanwhile, activists warn that the continuation of these practices exacerbates social tensions, undermines trust in local institutions, and threatens regional stability.

Sh-S

ANHA