Lelun Afrin
Since armed factions affiliated with the so-called Syrian National Army took control of Afrin in 2018, the area has witnessed widespread violations against civilians, including arbitrary arrests, unlawful property confiscation, and forced displacement. Following the withdrawal of some Turkish forces after the fall of the previous regime and the assumption of administrative control by the “Public Security” apparatus affiliated with the new government, expectations arose for improved security and protection of the rights of the indigenous population. However, this report demonstrates that violations continue unabated, with only the responsible authority having changed.
While abuses were previously committed under the names of factions such as “Al-Hamzat” and “Al-Amshat,” they are now carried out under the banner of “Public Security,” reflecting ongoing impunity and more organized violations in the region.
Although the “General Security” apparatus in the Afrin area comprises a limited number of personnel, the armed factions that committed violations throughout the past years are still present inside the city. According to witnesses from within the region interviewed by Lelun researchers, these factions have only adopted the “General Security” title. Thus, the name of these factions has changed to “General Security,” while their allegiance to the factions responsible for violations in previous periods continues. This situation calls for strict oversight and accountability by the competent government authorities before appointing or empowering these personnel, to prevent the continuation of violations and ensure respect for the rights of civilians in the area.
Arbitrary Arrests and Property Confiscation
Beyond arbitrary detentions, unlawful confiscation of property has become widespread.
On 13 September 2025, an armed group identifying itself as “Public Security” attacked a family’s home in a village near Afrin. The family declined to disclose the village’s name for security reasons during their testimony to Lelun researchers.
One victim, M.A., recounted:
“An armed group calling themselves ‘Public Security’ stormed our home and confiscated two of our vehicles. When we objected, they told us that these properties ‘now belong to them,’ following the withdrawal of Turkish forces and the takeover by Public Security.”
In another testimony from the same village, citizen S.A. stated that Public Security forces raided his neighbors’ home and arrested both husband and wife without any legal warrant or explanation.
Detention in Exchange for Home Seizure
On 12 September 2025, Ahmed Manla Osman, a 19-year-old from Qarzehel village (Shirawa subdistrict, Afrin), was arrested by Public Security at a checkpoint in Aleppo province while working in Al-Waha city, Al-Safira subdistrict. His release was conditioned on the seizure of his family’s home in Al-Waha. After four days, his family evacuated the property and handed it over, leading to his release.
Armed Attacks on Civilians During Transit
According to witnesses close to elderly citizen Hanan Hashmo from Koriya village (Raju subdistrict), he was violently assaulted while returning from work as a driver on Bab al-Hawa road. A group of five armed men on motorcycles intercepted him in a remote area of Janku village, Raju subdistrict, while he was escorting two families returning from Turkey to their hometown. The assailants seized all money and gold in their possession, severely beat Mr. Hashmo, destroyed his vehicle, and confiscated approximately $70,000 and 80 grams of gold.
The area also witnessed tensions and direct clashes between locals and security personnel, such as in Jouweiq village, where youth faced a series of arrests.
Events in Jouweiq Village
In Jouweiq, residents experienced heightened tension and fear after members of the “Al-Hamzat” faction—now part of Public Security—attempted to steal a motorcycle belonging to an Arab-origin resident. This led to a clash between villagers and faction members. Sheikh Mufid called on villagers via mosque loudspeakers to unite and defend themselves.
However, this call was labeled “incitement to rebellion,” prompting Public Security to impose a curfew and conduct a widespread arrest campaign that detained 12 villagers.
A survivor, N.M., testified:
“All detained youths endured continuous torture, beatings, and humiliation while held by Public Security. Elders were only interrogated, but Sheikh Mufid suffered the harshest treatment, being severely beaten as a warning to anyone opposing faction or Public Security practices. His health deteriorated significantly after his release.”
Legal Analysis
Based on testimonies and field reports, Afrin faces a dire legal and humanitarian situation marked by ongoing violations perpetrated by armed groups under official cover, fostering impunity and undermining the rule of law and human rights.
Arbitrary Detentions: Arrests without warrants or clear justification violate fundamental rights under national laws and international instruments, including Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Unlawful Property Confiscation: Forced seizure of property breaches international humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, and demands thorough investigation and accountability.
Forced Displacement and Home Seizure: Coercing families to vacate homes under threat or in exchange for detainee release constitutes prohibited forced displacement and may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity if systematic.
Attacks on Civilians: Armed assaults and theft targeting civilians flagrantly violate international humanitarian law protecting civilians and their property.
Impunity: The persistence of violations under official institutions without effective accountability entrenches a culture of impunity.
Conclusion
The continuation of violations under official designations constitutes a breach of national and international laws, exacerbating chaos and injustice in Afrin. Immediate action is imperative to protect civilian rights, ensure justice, and prevent further impunity.