EU Imposes Sanctions on Syrian Military Commanders, Armed Factions Over Rights Abuses
By Kardo Roj
BRUSSELS, Belgium (North Press) – The European Union on Wednesday imposed targeted sanctions on two military commanders affiliated with Syria’s Ministry of Defense, along with three armed factions, citing involvement in serious human rights violations during events in Syria’s coastal region in March.
The European Council announced the decision, stating that it remains “ready to adopt further restrictive measures against those responsible for human rights abuses and actions undermining stability in Syria.”
Sanctioned individuals include Mohammad al-Jassem, also known as Abu Amsha, commander of Division 25, and Saif Bolad, also known as Abu Bakr, commander of Division 76—both divisions fall under the structure of the Syrian Ministry of Defense.
In addition, three armed groups were listed: the Sultan Suleiman Shah Brigade, Hamza Division, and Sultan Murad Division. All three have previously operated under various command structures and have been linked to Turkish-supported military operations in northern Syria. These factions are widely reported to be involved in territorial control and law enforcement in areas outside the Syrian government’s direct control.
According to European media reports, these sanctions are a response to violations committed during the March 2025 escalation in the Latakia countryside, where civilian casualties and reports of abuses prompted international concern.
The newly imposed measures include asset freezes and travel bans, and they come amid a broader shift in EU policy toward Syria. Earlier in the day, the EU officially lifted sectoral economic sanctions imposed on Syria, citing changes in humanitarian and trade considerations. However, it simultaneously extended personal sanctions on figures linked to past or ongoing destabilizing activities, particularly those viewed as threats to the country’s long-term stability.
The EU emphasized that while economic restrictions are being eased to alleviate civilian suffering, individuals and groups found responsible for rights violations would continue to face accountability.
Human rights organizations have welcomed the move, noting that international scrutiny remains essential in holding perpetrators accountable amid Syria’s fragmented political and military landscape.
The factions sanctioned by the EU, including the Sultan Murad and Hamza Divisions, operate primarily in the north and northwest of Syria. These areas have witnessed repeated security incidents, power struggles, and accusations of abuses against local populations. Despite international calls for reform and restraint, such groups have often acted with impunity in territories they control.
In contrast, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), governed through a decentralized model and secured by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), has promoted relative stability in its areas, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance and localized governance structures.
With this latest decision, the EU underscores its intention to distinguish between economic measures meant to relieve civilian hardship and targeted actions against those deemed responsible for undermining peace and human rights.