afrinpost – Exclusive
Under orders from the leader known as “Abu Amsha,” the “Sulaiman Shah/Al-Amshat” militia coerced residents of the Shieh/Sheikh al-Hadid sub-district on August 20th to stage a protest against the U.S. decision to impose sanctions on the “Amshat and Hamzat” militias due to their grave violations in the occupied Afrin region.
“afrinpost” obtained audio recordings of the leaders of armed groups affiliated with the “Amshat” militia. These recordings issued a directive prohibiting Kurdish locals from conducting business on their agricultural lands or opening their stores on that day. They were compelled to join the protest condemning the U.S. decision in the town of Shieh, near the command center of “Abu Amsha.”
The leaders also instructed village elders from the Shieh sub-district, including Sanareh, Anqala, Hekeche, Aranda, Chaqala Fawqani, and Wustani, to close all shops, prevent farmers from tending their fields, and shut down water pumps on agricultural lands. Everyone was compelled to participate in the protest, under the threat of strict consequences and penalties.
They further warned the village elders that if any of them were absent from the protest, they would be “brought before the Amshat security and held accountable.”
The “Amshat” militia exercises significant control over Kurdish civilian residents, subjecting them to abductions and extortion. Many endure harassment, kidnappings, and other violations until they are forced to abandon their homes or pay hefty ransoms to reclaim their properties or family members, according to the U.S. Treasury statement.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced sanctions on the “Sulaiman Shah/Al-Amshat” and “Hamzat Division/Al-Hamzat” militias and their leaders on August 17th, 2023, stating that they are responsible for or complicit in serious human rights abuses against residents in the Afrin region. The American sanctions also targeted a car company owned by “Abu Amsha” in Turkey.
Brian I. Nelson, the Acting Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes at the Treasury, stated, “Today’s action underscores our ongoing commitment to hold human rights abusers accountable, including those in Syria.” The United States is committed to supporting the Syrian people’s ability to live free from exploitation by armed groups and fear of violent repression.
