Kurdish fighter killed after abduction in Syria’s Hasakah
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A Kurdish fighter serving with the Hasakah Brigade was abducted and killed after being taken from Deir ez-Zor to the Hasakah countryside, amid allegations that the killing was linked to a tribal revenge dispute.
The victim, identified as Sipan Hizni, was a former Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighter who had joined formations being integrated into Syria’s Defense Ministry, according to information cited by the International Organization for Monitoring Crimes Against Humanity
Kurdish sources reported that Hizni was abducted and taken to Adlana village in the countryside of Sere Kaniye (Ras al-Ain), where his body was later found.
Information circulating about the incident has linked the killing to members of the Bu Hassan clan of the Baggara tribe, who allegedly accused Hizni of involvement in the deaths of several clan members in Mount Abdulaziz around two years ago. These allegations have not been independently verified.
The rights organization called for an immediate, independent and transparent investigation, saying the case should not be settled through tribal mediation or other arrangements outside the judicial system.
The organization also stressed that Hizni’s reported integration into the Defense Ministry’s military structure gives the case wider significance, raising questions about the state’s responsibility to protect personnel incorporated into its institutions.
Meanwhile, Samir Oso, known as Sipan Hamo who serves as Deputy Minister of Defense for the Eastern Region, offered condolences to Hizni’s family and condemned incitement to violence. He said authorities had arrested several people allegedly involved and were continuing efforts to arrest all suspects and refer them to court.
Recent reports have confirmed Hizni’s death but differ over some details of the killing and the identities of those responsible.
The organization warned that allowing abductions and killings to be resolved through tribal settlements could undermine the rule of law and weaken confidence in the military integration process.