123 Arrested in “Olive Branch” and “Peace Spring” Strips in October and November 2021

Syrians for Truth and Justice (STJ) documented the arrests of at least 123 people over October and November 2021 from various areas in the “Peace Spring” and “Olive Branch” strips, which are controlled by the Turkish army and affiliated factions of the opposition Syrian National Army (SNA).

In this report, STJ provides the names of 123 incarcerated persons, among them 15 women. Investigating the fate of detainees, STJ discovered that only 40 were released, while 83 remain unaccounted for, including the women.

The following report documents the arrests and releases across the target areas, drawing on the information obtained by STJ’s network of researchers, as well as the testimonies provided by civil sources, eyewitnesses, and sources from within the SNA, which STJ aggregates into a designated database.

Arrests in the “Peace Spring” Strip

In the “Peace Spring” strip—including Ras al-Ayn/Serê Kaniyê and Tal Abyad, field researchers with STJ documented that SNA-affiliated factions arrested at least 23 persons, among them two women. Only 10 detainees were released, while the remaining 13 continue to be unaccounted for.

• Arrests in Ras al-Ayn/Serê Kaniyê

In Ras al-Ayn/Serê Kaniyê, field researchers with STJ verified the arrests of seven persons. Only five were released, while the fate of the other two continues to be unknown.

1. Kan’an Rawi al-Hassan, born in 1998 in Markadah town, was arrested on 12 October by members of the Sultan Murad Division on the charge of “membership to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).” The division released al-Hassan on 26 October, after one of the area’s dignitaries intervened and assured them that al-Hassan will never leave Ras al-Ayn/Serê Kaniyê.
2. Atiya Khaled al-Nouri, born in Tal Abyad, was arrested on 19 October from Tell Halaf village by members of the al-Hamza/al-Hamzat Division on the charge of “dealing with the SDF and establishing a secret cell.” Notably, al-Nouri has health-related issues. His fate remains unknown.
3. Sa’aed Anwar al-Khdair, born in 2000 in Palmyra city, was arrested on 24 October from Mabrouka village by members of the Sultan Murad Division on the charge of “filming military structures and dealing in arms.” The division held al-Khdair in their center, near the old Post Office building in Ras al-Ayn/Serê Kaniyê city. His fate remains unknown.
4. Muhammad Mohsen al-Jarah, born in 1994 in Deir ez-Zor, was arrested on 10 November from Ras al-Ayn/Serê Kaniyê city by members of Maimati Bash faction, a sub-group of the Sultan Murad Division. The faction arrested al-Jarah on the charge of “working for the Syrian government”. He was released on 25 November after his family paid 3000 USD to a person called Abu al-Baraa. Abu al-Baraa is the brother of the Maimati Bash’s commander.
5. The Iraqi national Saif Harash al-Hamada, born in 1984, was arrested on 3 November from al-Assadiya village by members of the Liwa Suqour al-Sharqiya (Eastern Hawks Brigade) on the charge of “smuggling arms for the SDF.” The brigade released al-Hamada on 20 November after he paid them 5000 USD.
6. Zaidan Mohsen al-Abed, born in 1989, was arrested on 7 November from Mabrouka village by members of the Eastern Army/Jaysh al-Sharqiya. The army arrested al-Abed after he returned from the Syrian government-controlled areas on the charge of “joining the forces of the government-affiliated National Defense.” The army released al-Abed on 13 November after he paid them money.
7. Abdullah Abdulrahman al-Ahmad, born in 1999, was arrested on 17 November from Ras al-Ayn/Serê Kaniyê city by members of the Sultan Suleiman Shah Division. The division arrested al-Ahmad on the charge of “joining the SDF” and transferred him to the Military Police prison in the city. The division released al-Ahmad on 27 November after Abu Jarah al-Manbiji, a commander of the al-Jabha al-Shamiya/Levant Front, played intervened.

• Arrests in Tal Abyad

In Tal Abyad, field researchers with STJ documented the arrests of 16 people, including two women, by several factions operating in the area. Only five were released while the other 11 remain unaccounted for.

1. Jasim Ahmad al-Hathyan, born in 1988, was arrested on 2 October from Tal Abyad city by members of the Mu’tasim Division. His fate remains unknown.
2. Sharif Khakan al-Hmaidan, born in 1990 in al-Mayadin city, was arrested on 3 October from Ain al-Arous town the by members of the al-Jabha al-Shamiya/Levant Front. He was released on 7 November.
3. Asmar Haj Youssef, born in 1986 in Aleppo city, Hananou Neighborhood, was arrested on 5 October from his home in Suluk town by members of the Ahrar al-Sharqiya/Free Men of the East on the charge of “working for the SDF.” His fate remains unknown.
4. Ula Barhoum Tamou, born in Ras al-Ayn/Serê Kaniyê city, was arrested on 5 October from the home of detainee Asmar Haj Youssef in Suluk town by members of the Ahrar al-Sharqiya/Free Men of the East. Notably, the detainee was distributing food aid donated by people based in Europe. Her fate remains unknown.
5. Razan Rashaid Ghurou, born in Ras al-Ayn/Serê Kaniyê city, was arrested on 5 October from the home of detainee Asmar Haj Youssef in Suluk town by members of the Ahrar al-Sharqiya/Free Men of the East. Notably, the detainee was distributing food aid donated by people based in Europe. Her fate remains unknown.
6. Jalal Saif al-Fada’ani, born in 1999 in Ain Issa city, was arrested on 7 October from Tal Abyad city by members of the Glory Corps/Faylaq al-Majd on the charge of “working for the SDF.” The Corps held al-Fada’ani in their headquarters in al-Mahatta neighborhood. His fate remains unknown.
7. Mohsen al-Ramla, born in 1991 in Hajin town, in Deri ez-Zor, was arrested on 13 October from the al-Kanisa neighborhood in Tal Abyad city by members of the al-Jabha al-Shamiya/Levant Front on the charge of “working for the SDF.” His fate remains unknown.
8. Mazen Atiya al-Lafi, born in 1994 in Raqqa city, was arrested on 13 October from Tal Abyad city by members of the Glory Corps/Faylaq al-Majd on the charge of “stealing a wheat cargo belonging to the SNA.” He was released on 28 October after he paid 2000 USD to one of the corps’ commanders, called Abu al-Hakam.
9. Shiyar Ali Sharif, born in 2000 in Ayn al-Arab/Kobanî city, was arrested on 17 October from Suluk town by members of the Ahrar al-Sharqiya/Free Men of the East on the charge of “working for the SDF.” Notably, the detainee works as a nurse in the town’s hospital. He was released after one of the al-Baggara/Bakara tribe dignitaries intervened.
10. Shadad Nayif al-Abdullah, born in 1990 in Mabij city, was arrested on 20 October from Suluk town by members of the Ahrar al-Sharqiya/Free Men of the East on the charge of “working for the SDF.” His fate remains unknown.
11. Taha Shihatheh al-Qaous, born in 1992 in Tal Abyad city, was arrested on 20 October on his way out from the al-Sukariya School in rural Tal Abyad by members of the al-Jabha al-Shamiya/Levant Front on the charge of “incitement against Turkey and the SNA.” Notably, al-Qaous is a teacher at the schools of al-Sukariya and Ain al-Arous. His fate remains unknown.
12. Wael Abdulrahman al-Ali, born in 2000 in Suluk town, was arrested on 6 November by members of the Glory Corps/Faylaq al-Majd on the charge of “belonging to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).” He was released on 12 November after a number of tribe dignitaries intervened.
13. Khalil Ismail al-Awad, born in 1996 in Ain Issa city, was arrested on 18 November from Kourmaza al-Wousta village by members of the 113th Battalion, a sub-group of the Ahrar al-Sharqiya/Free Men of the East on the charge of “working for the SDF.” He was released on 26 November.
14. Marwan al-Arif was arrested in November from al-Huwayjah village, south of Tal Abyad city, and surrendered to the Military Police in the area. His fate remains unknown.
15. Kafaa al-Arif was arrested in November from al-Huwayjah village, south of Tal Abyad city, and surrendered to the Military Police in the area. His fate remains unknown.
16. Qasim al-Arif was arrested in November from al-Huwayjah village, south of Tal Abyad city, and surrendered to the Military Police in the area. His fate remains unknown.

Arrests in the “Olive Branch” Strip

In the “Olive Branch” strip—including Afrin, SNA-affiliated factions arrested at least 100 persons, including 13 women, across seven of the area’s districts. Only 30 detainees were released, while the remaining 70 continue to be unaccounted for.

• Arrests in Afrin District

In Afrin district, the military factions in control of the area arrested 22 persons, including six women. A number of these were relocated to centers of the Military Police. All 22 detainees remain unaccounted for.

1. Nazeh Omar Ahmad, 18, was arrested on 4 October from Faftertin village. Her fate remains unknown.
2. Khaled Ahmad Ahmad, 20, was arrested on 4 October from Faftertin village. His fate remains unknown.
3. Akram Hassan Hussein, 25, was arrested on 4 October from Faftertin village. His fate remains unknown.
4. Yakboun Ali, 42, was arrested on 8 October from Midankey‎ His fate remains unknown.
5. Khoundevan Ali was arrested on 19 October from Kafr Janneh village. His fate remains unknown.
6. Farhad Ahmad Hassan, 22, was arrested on 19 October from Maratah village. His fate remains unknown.
7. Hannan Mousli, 55, was arrested on 25 October from Qatmah village. His fate remains unknown.
8. Noujeen Mousli, 20, was arrested on 25 October from Qatmah village. Her fate remains unknown.
9. Nisreen Mousli, 17, was arrested on 25 October from Qatmah village. Her fate remains unknown.
10. Ahmad Mousli, 20, was arrested on 25 October from Qatmah village. His fate remains unknown.
11. Muhammad Amin Mousli was arrested on 25 October from Qatmah village. His fate remains unknown.
12. Ahmad al-Barhou was arrested on 27 October from Afrin city. His fate remains unknown.
13. Ayman Muhammad Ali Kaifo, 28, was arrested on 29 October from Gazawiya village. His fate remains unknown.
14. Nouveen Muhammad Ali Kaifo, 25, was arrested on 29 October from Gazawiya village. Her fate remains unknown.
15. Touleen Ibrahim was arrested in November from Afrin city by one of the military factions operating there. Her fate remains unknown.
16. Shiraz Aboud Khaloussi was arrested in November from Afrin city by one of the military factions operating there. Her fate remains unknown.
17. Azad Jamil Nabou was arrested in November from Afrin city by one of the factions operating there. His fate remains unknown.
18. Aras Shaikh Muhammad was arrested in November from Shaikhorzaih village by one of the factions operating there. His fate remains unknown.
19. Mustafa Adnan Shaikh Sadiq, 33, was arrested in November from Maratah village. His fate remains unknown.
20. Ibrahim Hussein was arrested in November from Faftertin village. His fate remains unknown.
21. Ja’afar Hamid A’itaneh was arrested in November from Faftertin village. His fate remains unknown.
22. Bashar Khalil Jouti was arrested in November from Faftertin village. His fate remains unknown.

• Arrests in Rajo District

In Rajo district, military factions arrested 41 persons, including two women. A number of these were relocated to centers of the Military Police. Only 26 detainees were released, while the remaining 15 continue to be unaccounted for.

1. Muhammad Muhammad, 44, was arrested on 1 October from Qupe village. His fate remains unknown.
2. Nathir Sabri Saleh, 30, was arrested on 2 October from Etmanli village. His fate remains unknown.
3. Lazkin Ja’afar, 50, was arrested on 3 October from Bulbul village. His fate remains unknown.
4. Salah Osman Akash, 43, was arrested on 3 October from Masaka village. His fate remains unknown.
5. Nathir Muhammad Tobal was arrested on 3 October from Ma`amalu village. His fate remains unknown.
6. Fawzi Murad Ja’afar, 62, was arrested on 6 October from Qupe village. His fate remains unknown.
7. Mustafa Muhammad Dourdu, 46, was arrested on 11 October from Masaka village. His fate remains unknown.
8. Ni’mat/Ni’ma Bahjat Shaikho, 32, was arrested on 11 October from Hamashalk village. She was subsequently released.
9. Khalil Na’asan, 36, was arrested on 11 October from Hamashalk village. He was subsequently released.
10. Mustafa Muhammad Zibar, 45, was arrested on 12 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. He was subsequently released.
11. Fawzi Hussein Osman, 45, was arrested on 12 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. He was subsequently released.
12. Ahmad Hussein Hmilko was arrested on 12 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. He was subsequently released.
13. Ahmad Haider Ja’afar, 55, was arrested on 12 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. He was subsequently released.
14. Mustafa Shawqi Muhammad, 69, was arrested on 12 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. He was subsequently released.
15. Fawzi Murad Ja’afar was arrested on 12 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. He was subsequently released.
16. Rashid Zibar, 55, was arrested on 12 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. He was subsequently released.
17. Salah Ahmad Ibrahim, 38, was arrested on 12 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. He was subsequently released.
18. Mustafa Khalil Zibar, 40, was arrested on 12 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. He was subsequently released.
19. Ja’afar Ja’afar Battal, 40, was arrested on 12 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. He was subsequently released.
20. Ahmad Aref Zibar, 45, was arrested on 12 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. He was subsequently released.
21. Mustafa Amin Faris, 40, was arrested on 12 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. He was subsequently released.
22. Hussein Ibrahim Faris, 30, was arrested on 12 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. He was subsequently released.
23. Farouk Mustafa Kilbaker, 35, was arrested on 12 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. He was subsequently released.
24. Rashid Hassan Hamou was arrested on 12 October from Kamarsheh village. His fate remains unknown.
25. Muhammad Abdo, 57, was arrested on 14 October from Maiskeh village. His fate remains unknown.
26. Ahmad Muhammad Khalil Zibar, 45, was arrested on 17 October from Ma`amalu village. His fate remains unknown.
27. Sabri Muhammad Faris, 35, was arrested on 17 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. His fate remains unknown.
28. Issmat Hassan Alko, 35, was arrested on 17 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. His fate remains unknown.
29. Hussein Muhammad Ibrahim, 67, was arrested on 17 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. His fate remains unknown.
30. Qazikli Amin Faris, 45, was arrested on 17 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. His fate remains unknown.
31. Najah Arous Omar, 51, was arrested on 23 October from Queera village. Her fate remains unknown.
32. Ahmad Khalil Faris was arrested on 31 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. He was subsequently released.
33. Qader Sabri Faris was arrested on 31 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. He was subsequently released.
34. Ahmad Muhammad Ibrahim was arrested on 31 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. He was subsequently released.
35. Khalil Osman was arrested on 31 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. He was subsequently released.
36. Salah Osman was arrested on 31 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. He was subsequently released.
37. Najib Kurdi was arrested on 31 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. He was subsequently released.
38. Muhammad Hussein Bakou was arrested on 31 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. He was subsequently released.
39. Subhi Omar was arrested on 31 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. He was subsequently released.
40. Shukri Omar was arrested on 31 October from Ma’mal Ushaghi village. He was subsequently released.
41. Najib Hassan Halo was arrested in November from Rajo village. His fate remains unknown.

• Arrests in Bulbul District

In Bulbul district, the Military Police arrested four persons. All four remain unaccounted for.

1. Aram Khalil, 45, was arrested on 21 October from Bulbul town. His fate remains unknown.
2. Hussein Hannan Bayram, 47, was arrested in November from Kela village. His fate remains unknown.
3. Mustafa Muhammad Sido, 55, was arrested in November from Qotan/Qota village. His fate remains unknown.
4. Abdulhannan Muhammad Ja’afar, 54, was arrested in November from Qotan/Qota village. His fate remains unknown.

• Arrests in Maabatli/Mabeta District

In Maabatli/Mabeta district, the Military Police arrested eight persons, including a woman. Only two detainees were released, while the remaining six continue to be unaccounted for.

1. Khalil Hannan Hannan, 48, was arrested on 9 October from Qantare village. His fate remains unknown.
2. Na’am Ahmad Hannan, 50, was arrested on 9 October from Qantare village. His fate remains unknown.
3. Aliya Mustafa, 27, was arrested on 18 October from Ashour village. Her fate remains unknown.
4. Shukri Muhammad Abdo, 65, was arrested on 22 October from Sariya village. His fate remains unknown.
5. Jwan Muhammad was arrested in November from Mastt Ashoura village. His fate remains unknown.
6. Muhammad Ahmad Omar, 60, was arrested in November from Kakhrah village. He was subsequently released.
7. Abdo Murad Rashu, 38, was arrested in November from Omo village. His fate remains unknown.
8. Izzat Muhammad was arrested in November from Maabatli village. He was subsequently released.

• Arrests in Sharran District

 In Sharran district, the Military Police arrested a woman and a man. They both remain unaccounted for.

1. Thuraya Barakat, 65, was arrested on 1 October from Qurtqulaqê village. Her fate remains unknown.
2. Shaikh Mous Khalil was arrested in November from DairSawan/ Dayr Şawwān. His fate remains unknown.

• Arrests in Jindires District

In Jindires district, several of the military factions operating across the district arrested 18 persons, including three women. All detainees remain unaccounted for.

1. Abdo Muhammad Haider was arrested on 1 October from Qoujman/Qujûma village. His fate remains unknown.
2. Adnan Ario was arrested on 1 October from Jindires town. His fate remains unknown.
3. Hassan Muhammad Tamou was arrested on 1 October from Jindires town. His fate remains unknown.
4. Subhi Muhammad Kanjo, 23, was arrested on 2 October from Celemê village. His fate remains unknown.
5. Almasah Khalil Abdo, 27, was arrested on 12 October from Kafr Safra village. Her fate remains unknown.
6. Mazkin Alo, 28, was arrested on 18 October from Jindires town. Her fate remains unknown.
7. Souzan Ibrahim Fadel, 33, was arrested on 18 October from Jindires town. Her fate remains unknown.
8. Roudi Hassan was arrested in November from Yalanqoz village. His fate remains unknown.
9. Abdulrahman Hassan was arrested in November from Yalanqoz village. His fate remains unknown.
10. Masoud Osman Khalo was arrested in November from Kafr Safra village. His fate remains unknown.
11. Murad Hajji Hassah was arrested in November from Kafr Safra village. His fate remains unknown.
12. Hannan Ibrahim Mawas was arrested in November from Kafr Safra village. His fate remains unknown.
13. Muhammad Hassan Mamad was arrested in November from Kafr Safra village. His fate remains unknown.
14. Ahmad Hassan Mamad was arrested in November from Kafr Safra village. His fate remains unknown.
15. Almaz Haj Abed was arrested in November from Kafr Safra village. His fate remains unknown.
16. Abdulrahman Barmajeh was arrested in November from Kafr Safra village. His fate remains unknown.
17. Abdullah Khalil Murad was arrested in November from Kafr Safra village. His fate remains unknown.
18. Shamiran Khalil Hassan was arrested in November from Kafr Safra village. His fate remains unknown.

• Arrests in Shaykh al-Hadid District

In Shaykh al-Hadid district, the Military Police arrested five persons. Only two were released, while the rest remain unaccounted for.

1. Baker Mustafa Rahmouki was arrested in November from Shaykh al-Hadid town. He was subsequently released.
2. Masoud Mustafa Shaikho was arrested in November from Shaykh al-Hadid town. He was subsequently released.
3. Ammar Suleiman Shaikho was arrested in November from Shaykh al-Hadid town. His fate remains unknown.
4. Khalil Mustafa Shaikho was arrested in November from Shaykh al-Hadid town. His fate remains unknown.
5. Abdulrahman Mustafa Shaikho was arrested in November from Shaykh al-Hadid town. His fate remains unknown.