afrinpost-exclusive
Pro-Iranian militias stationed in the northern Aleppo city of Zahraa have reportedly conducted a widespread abduction campaign over the past four days, targeting approximately 50 individuals, including women and children, from Afrin’s displaced population and residents of Sherawa sub-district. The captives were taken to an undisclosed location, and their vehicles were also seized.
Our correspondent reported that the militias set up strict security checkpoints along the international road connecting Aleppo to Afrin, screening travelers and detaining Afrin residents based on their identification. This has forced many displaced individuals to use alternate, less secure routes, such as the one through the village of al-Ahdath, to reach Aleppo.
The abductions appear to be linked to recent arrests by the Asayish (Internal Security Forces) of the Autonomous Administration, who detained several drug traffickers from Zahraa approximately a week ago. Observers believe the militias are using these civilian detentions as leverage to pressure the Asayish into releasing the detained traffickers.
The fate of the abducted civilians remains unknown, sparking deep concern among their families. This incident adds to the growing list of abuses attributed to pro-Iranian militias in northern Aleppo, further heightening tensions in the region.
