Child abduction incidents increase in Syria’s Idlib
IDLIB, Syria (North Press) – Child abduction incidents have increased recently in Idlib Governorate, northwestern Syria. Residents accuse militants of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS – formerly al-Nusra Front) of being behind the abductions.
“Five children were kidnapped in the past 24 hours by unknown individuals in the towns of Sarmada and Dana, northern Idlib, amid concerns among their families that they may be sold for their organs within Turkish territory due to the lack of any negotiations or information about the children so far,” an administrative source from a security branche affiliated with the HTS in Sarmada told North Press.
The source added that abductions have increased in the northern countryside of Idlib, especially in towns adjacent to camps. Information has emerged indicating that kidnappers are able to pass through security checkpoints by exploiting the pretext of military and security assignments.
The source explained that in October, 14 children were kidnapped. Most of those incidents occurred in the towns of Sarmada and Atmeh, north of Idlib.
Residents accuse the HTS militants of involving in the abductions.