afrinpost-exclusive
“afrinpost“, in coordination with displaced individuals who recently arrived in Tabqa, has documented the names of several civilians abducted by Turkish-backed militias during their recent control of Al-Shahba and parts of Sherawa in northern Aleppo.
According to an audio recording from a local council official in Al-Shahba, the “Joint Force” militia detained several individuals, including: Hassouna Mohammed Abdo (in his 40s), Ruslan Ruslan, Hamza Ramadan Hamo, Shakir, from Qabasin town, and two young men identified as Rifaat and Salah.
Additionally, a woman who described herself as a “survivor” recounted to afrinpost that the militias abducted Ivan, the owner of Metro Internet Network in Al-Shahba, as he stopped with his family in Tel Qarah during their escape from the region.
The convoys of displaced individuals faced frequent provocations by the militias, who attempted to detain anyone who reacted or resisted, often disrupting their departure.
The Legal Defense Initiative has also documented multiple abuses, including:
The murder of Abdul Manan Abdullah, a former political prisoner who had spent eight years in Damascus’ Sednaya Prison. He was killed in Aleppo following an argument with Turkish-backed militants advancing in the area.
The killing of Ahmed Hesso, who was fatally shot while trying to leave Tel Rifaat. Militants reportedly stole his car after the murder.
The abduction of Jawar (25 years old) from Baadina in Afrin’s countryside.
The assault on Hanif Mohammed (55 years old) from Kurzele village in Afrin, who was beaten in front of his wife during their return to Afrin. The wife was also assaulted while trying to protect her husband.
The initiative released a voice recording of a Turkish-backed militia fighter responding to a call from a missing person’s relative, saying in colloquial Arabic: “The person you’re asking about is dead. He was driving a white van, and we killed them all.”
Reports also confirm widespread arbitrary arrests in the villages of Al-Ziyara and Aqiba in Sherawa. Witnesses in these villages stated that detained individuals are being tortured in public squares.
Activists and human rights advocates have issued warnings about severe violations likely to affect thousands of displaced individuals trapped in Al-Shahba following the militias’ takeover of the region.
