U.S. top official discusses SNA violations in NW Syria
RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – An U.S. top official discussed on Dec.15 violations committed by the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) and emphasized the importance of following international humanitarian law, respecting human rights and the laws of armed conflict, and ensuring accountability.
Nicholas Granger, U.S. top envoy to northeast Syria, met with Abdurrahman Mustafa, head of the Interim Government, the political wing of the SNA, and discussed the situation in SNA-held areas.
Mustafa stated that the meeting, which was held in Gaziantep, Turkey, addressed the measures taken by the Interim Government to organize the SNA and its commitment to international humanitarian law.
The New Arab newspaper quoted an unnamed U.S. official as saying, “We do not comment on diplomatic discussions. However, we continue to emphasize the importance of respecting human rights and ensuring accountability for human rights violations with all relevant parties.”
Additionally, the official stated that Granger confirmed America’s readiness to work with the Interim Government to address human rights violations in a way that leads to systematic improvements in the behavior of the groups affiliated within the SNA.
In August, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated two SNA factions and three leaders, including Sultan Suleiman Shah Division (al-Amshat), Hamza Division, al-Amshat leader Muhammad Hussein al-Jassem (Abu Amsha), his younger brother Walid Hussein al-Jassem, Hamza leader Saif Abu Bakr, and the Istanbul-headquartered al-Safir Oto, a car dealership owned by Abu Amsha, for committing “serious human rights abuses” against the people of Afrin, mainly the Kurds.
According to the U.S. official, these sanctions “demonstrate the U.S. commitment to promoting accountability for human rights violators in Syria, regardless of the actor, aiming to enforce genuine changes.”