afrinpost-exclusive
Reports from Afrin reveal systematic extortion by Turkish-backed militias in several villages of Şiyê/Sheikh Hadid, including Hekeche, Senarah, and Anqala, where elderly men and young people have been forced to hide or flee their homes. These measures come in response to night raids, beatings, and torture targeting residents.
The Sultan Suleiman Shah Brigade (also known as “Al-Amshat”) has imposed exorbitant taxes on olive trees, demanding $1 per tree from residents still living in Afrin and $25 per tree from absentee owners. Those unable to pay have been driven from their homes, facing threats of violence and severe punishment. Witnesses report that many have left their villages out of fear, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
One elderly resident questioned how absent landowners could possibly meet such demands, as olive trees produce limited yields. He described the levies as an intensification of suffering for an already burdened population. Those who have managed to pay remain in their homes, while others have been forced to leave, creating widespread displacement.
For displaced individuals returning to Afrin from Shahba camps in northern Aleppo, the situation is even graver. Returnees to villages like Aranda face extortion demands ranging from $4,000 to $5,000 for vehicles and up to $15,000 to reclaim their homes. Fear of reprisal has driven many to remain in Shieh and Jindires instead of returning to their villages.
Testimonies reveal the dire impact of these practices, with one elderly resident reporting that at least 50 families have fled their homes in recent weeks due to unaffordable levies. Residents describe a pervasive atmosphere of fear and silence, as speaking out against these abuses risks severe consequences.
Some citizens have suggested forming a delegation to present their grievances to Damascus, taking advantage of improved access to the capital, or alternatively seeking assistance in Idlib. One resident expressed concerns about a deliberate plan to erase the Kurdish presence in Afrin through systematic exploitation, describing the militias’ actions as criminal and disconnected from any legitimate authority.
Despite mounting evidence of these abuses, there has been no significant international intervention or accountability for the militias involved. The people of Afrin continue to endure violations that threaten their livelihoods, homes, and existence.
