afrinpost-exclusive
According to our reporter, two commanders from the “9th Division” of the Syrian National Army, accompanied by other armed militants, have begun enforcing additional levies on olive farmers in Rajo and surrounding villages. This new fee is being imposed at gunpoint on top of existing fees already required by the division.
The reporter identified the two commanders as “Abu Hayat,” who resides in Maseka village, and “Haider Bajaj,” originally from Deir ez-Zor. They reportedly seize between 0.5 to 5 bags (each approximately 90 kg) of harvested olives from farmers, depending on their demands.
In addition to these forced levies, the 9th Division’s “Economic Office” has mandated a $3 fee per olive tree, regardless of size or yield, along with a $1 “security fee” per tree. These actions are part of broader practices of extortion and theft affecting olive fields in the region, impacting local farmers and perpetuating significant financial burdens.
