This in-depth investigation reveals a disturbing reality that goes far beyond isolated violations: a unified and carefully coordinated machinery of repression\u2014resembling a military-style organization\u2014operated by factions of the Syrian National Army across two geographically distant areas that share striking similarities: Afrin, in northern Aleppo, and the Syrian coastal region in Latakia governorate.<\/p>\n
In both regions, identical patterns of abuse have emerged: the same slogans, the same methods of torture, the same forms of execution, and often the same perpetrators.<\/p>\n
These findings are based on fifteen detailed testimonies from victims and eyewitnesses, documenting how sectarian and ethnic differences have been weaponized as justifications for systematic war crimes. In Afrin, the \u201cSultan Suleiman Shah\u201d faction (known as al-Amshat) and the \u201cHamza Division\u201d (al-Hamzat) have been systematically targeting Kurdish civilians since 2018, according to witness accounts included in this report.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, on the Syrian coast, Alawite civilians have been the primary targets since March 2025, under sectarian slogans such as \u201ccleansing Islam of the Alawite pigs.\u201d<\/p>\n
One name repeatedly cited in testimonies is Munaf al-Daher, described as moving between Afrin and the coast with his brother and entourage. One female witness stated, \u201cHe knew exactly how to torture without killing\u2014as if he had special training.\u201d The recurring mention of his name and conduct points to his central role as a link between detention centers in the two regions, reinforcing the hypothesis of a coordinated network facilitating the transfer of repressive \u201cexpertise\u201d across areas.<\/p>\n
The collected evidence suggests these crimes are neither random acts nor immediate reactions but part of a deliberate strategy of sectarian and ethnic cleansing. This strategy is executed by a sophisticated criminal network involving secret prisons, equipped torture facilities, trained fighters and officers operating across regions, and clear military-security coordination.<\/p>\n
The repeated phrase in survivor testimonies\u2014\u201cWe\u2019ll take you beyond the sun\u201d\u2014used in both geographic contexts, stands as compelling evidence of a unified and consistent system of repression. It supports the hypothesis of centralized directives or shared training within these factions.<\/p>\n
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