afrinpost-Exclusive
According to our reporter, Turkish authorities have deported over 30 Syrians in the last two days through the Bab al-Salama crossing, situated along the Syrian-Turkish border in Azaz’s occupied countryside. Despite possessing valid temporary residence permits (Kimlik), the deportees were expelled under the guise of voluntary return.
This forced deportation has inadvertently fueled a profitable trade for factions within the Turkish-allied Syrian National Army. Exploiting their control over the Bab al-Salama crossing, Al-Jabha Al-Shamiya militia targets deported Syrians, demanding substantial financial ransoms for their release. Their dominance over abduction hotspots and the deployment of security barriers in surrounding areas make escape virtually impossible for victims.
Recent incidents have seen Al-Jabha Al-Shamiya militia abducting eight deported individuals, primarily from Aleppo province and Sahl Al-Ghab in rural Hama. Notable among the detainees are Ahmed Mustafa Al-Sayed and Ali Mustafa Al-Sayed from southern Aleppo countryside, as well as Fahmi Zaino Ahmed from Sahl Al-Ghab.
Families of the abducted individuals have been coerced into paying a ransom of $800 USD for their release.
It is important to note that the militia imposes financial fees ranging between 1500 to 2500 Turkish lira on deported citizens. Refusal to comply often leads to arbitrary detention and the fabrication of charges as a means of compelling payment.
