Syrian government forces attempt to attract army deserters in Aleppo
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syrian government forces try to attract deserters with paid settlements to join its ranks away from frontlines in the countryside of Aleppo, northwestern Syria, a military source said on Saturday.
An exclusive military source said that Liwa al-Shamal (Northern Brigade), a militia affiliated with the government forces, initiated military settlements for deserters in return for millions of Syrian pounds.
The Liwa al-Shamal includes local militants from Aleppo and its eastern and southern countryside, in addition to others from parts of its western countryside.
The militia, which is led by Abu Ali Reslan from the town of Maskanah in the eastern countryside of Aleppo, is directly under the command of the Military Intelligence of the government forces.
The settlements came after cases of desertion from the government forces increased. The Military Intelligence proposed to the militia to attract deserters to join its ranks in exchange for settling the military status of young men in Aleppo Governorate.
The settlement is carried out in return for money, where the registration costs one million Syrian pounds (SYP, which equals about $69) for each person. Additionally, granting the National Security Card, which guarantees protection from pursuit by the government forces, costs 1,300,000 SYP (about $90).
The tempting settlements offer the deserters to serve in posts away from risky frontlines.
On Nov. 14, a source within the government forces told North Press the Military Police arrested 850 individuals in Aleppo to serve the compulsory and reserve military service.