SYRIA: Five more civilians kidnapped by Turkish-backed forces in occupied Afrin

AFRIN, Syria — Even after the U.N. Commission of Inquiry on Syria released a scathing report outlining the pervasiveness of war crimes committed by the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA), widespread criminality and violations of human rights continue unhindered.

On Monday, sources reported five civilians, including two brothers, were abducted in Afrin city under the pretext of dealing having dealt with the Democratic Autonomous Administration — local autonomous government in place for years before Turkey invaded the region in January 2018.

According to the 25-page U.N. report released last week, there is significant evidence that the Turkish-backed SNA has committed, and continues to commit, the crimes of torture, murder, displacement, rape, and the looting of property.

The Commission of Inquiry also stated that the transfer of civilians from Syria to Turkish territory for trial after their detention by the SNA is considered as illegal deportation and thus, a war crime.

Commission Chairman Paulo Pinheiro stated that the SNA is likely to has committed war crimes in Afrin, Rish ayno (Ras al-Ayn), and the surrounding areas.

“Turkey must prevent these violations and ensure the protection of civilians in the areas under its control,” he continued.

In its Key Findings for Mandate Report A/HRC/45/31, which covered the period from January 11 to July 1, the Commission highlighted the following SNA war crimes targeting women in Afrin and other Turkish-occupied areas. pic.twitter.com/MW6LtXpn7D

— Missing Afrin Women (@AfrinWomen) September 15, 2020