Wave of thefts, extortion reported in Syrias’ Afrin
AFRIN, Syria (North Press) – In recent days, areas in the Kurdish-region of Afrin, northwestern Syria, have witnessed a surge in thefts targeting the properties of indigenous residents, reportedly carried out by Turkish-backed armed factions.
According to local sources, the region has also witnessed a rise in cases of extortion and forced payments.
The sources, cited by North Press, said that theft incidents have particularly increased in the village of Kurzeileih, where the al-Amshat faction holds control.
Stolen properties include solar panels, batteries, livestock, and electrical cables, with victims including Abdul Rahman Ibo, Mohammed Adel Othman, Mohammed Aziz Ibo, Imad Ibo, Zaki Qadi, and others.
Despite multiple complaints filed with the local civil police, no action has been taken, the course added.
In another case, Mustafa Omar, a resident of Ain Dara village, was reportedly blackmailed and threatened with the confiscation of his land unless he paid $3,000.
The land, which belongs to his father, lacks an official ownership deed in his name. Abu Nadim, head of the economic office in the Hamzat faction, allegedly issued multiple threats, warning that the land would be seized if the payment was not made.
Meanwhile, in Bulbul district, sources reported that military police leaders Abu Aziz and al-Hilu forcibly seized two vehicles—a Porter and a Sportage—from Ahmed Mohammed Ibn Horo and his son Jigar of Balya village.
The two men had previously been detained and tortured, only to be released after paying $24,500. When Ibn Horo later demanded his vehicles back, he was told that the Sportage had been sold and the Porter confiscated for faction use.
Despite the General Security Forces’ oversight in Afrin, thefts and extortion continue unabated, raising concerns about lawlessness in the region.