Turkish-backed SNA continues abuses amid integration into new army – HRW
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Human Rights Watch (HRW) revealed on Wednesday that Turkish-backed Syrian armed factions, aka the Syrian National Army (SNA), continue to engage in arbitrary detention, abuse, and extortion of civilians in northern Syria.
In a new report, HRW noted that “These fighters are being integrated into Syria’s Armed Forces, with their commanders appointed to key government and military positions, despite their past involvement in serious abuses.”
HRW urged the Syrian transitional government to put an immediate end “and investigate ongoing abuses and exclude those with records of abuse from the Syrian security forces.”
The report named several faction leaders previously involved in documented violations who now hold senior positions in the new military structure. These include “Mohammad al-Jassem (Abu Amsha) leading the 62nd Division; Saif Boulad (Saif Abu Bakr) leading the 76th Division; Fehim Isa as the defense minister’s assistant for northern affairs; and most recently, Ahmed al-Hais (Abu Hatem Shaqra) leading the 86th Division in the eastern region.”
The organization added that the Syrian authorities bear responsibility for “abuses by forces integrated into the army as well as for preventing abuses and ensuring accountability.”
HRW highlighted that Turkey, “which still oversees former SNA factions and continues to provide weapons, salaries, training, and logistical support to these factions, also bears responsibility for their abuses and potential war crimes.”
Turkey should discontinue support to abusive commanders and factions and provide reparations to victims, the organization urged.
It also called on the transitional government to urgently unify its armed forces under an accountable leadership, ensure robust civilian oversight, and uphold international human rights and humanitarian standards.
“It should take steps to prevent further abuses against Kurdish and other residents in northern Syria, ensure the release of all arbitrarily detained people, and investigate past abuses with fair legal proceedings.”
The organization also emphasized the importance of creating conditions for the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of displaced persons. It further called for independent monitors to be granted unrestricted access to all detention centers operated by former SNA factions and Turkish forces.