Syria: 144 Arrests in Afrin During January and February 2021

Cases of arrests and disappearances escalated during January and February 2021 in Syria’s Kurdish-majority Afrin region. Syrians for Truth and Justice (STJ) verified the arrest of no less than 144 individuals, among them nine women and seven children, at the hands of groups and brigades affiliated with the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army/Opposition Army (SNA). Only 46 of the detainees have been released. The fate of the 98 other detainees remain unknown as of 10 March 2021.

STJ verified the accounts of arrests in its database using a network of researchers distributed throughout the area, as well as civil sources, eyewitness, and sources within the SNA itself. The arrests were as follows:

I. Afrin District

Afrin district witnessed 34 arrests (among them six women and a child). Only seven men were released, while the fate of 27 remains unknown. The Military Police and the Hamza Division were responsible for the arrests. The detainees are:

1. The girl Alia Adnan Jamo, 13 years old. She was arrested on 2 January from Kafr Shīl/Keferşîl village by members of the Military police. Her fate remains unknown.
2. Fatima Mahmoud, 50 years old. She was arrested on 2 January from Kafr Shīl/Keferşîl village by members of the Military Police. Her fate remains unknown.
3. Adnan Mustafa Jamo, 50 years old. He was arrested on 2 January from Kafr Shīl/Keferşîl village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
4. Rizkar Adnan Jamo, 25 years old. He was arrested on 2 January from the Kafr Shīl/Keferşîl village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
5. Mohammed Khaled was arrested on 11 January by members of the Military Police. He is a local council worker in Afrin and comes from Qartiqlaq village. His fate remains unknown.
6. Mohammed Hammou was arrested on 11 January by members of the Military Police. He is a local council worker in Afrin and comes from Qartiqlaq village. His fate remains unknown.
7. Abd al-Hay Hassan, 28 years old. He was arrested on 20 January from Kafr Zeit village. According to a villager, he was arrested by members of the Hamza/Hamzat Division after he refused to surrender his grandfather’s home to them. He was handed over to the Military Police and later released.
8. Abdou Hanan was arrested on 26 January from his home in Afrin by members of the Military Police for working with the Autonomous Administration who previously controlled the area. His fate remains unknown.
9. Khaleda Khalil was arrested on 5 February from the city of Afrin by members of the Military Police. Her fate remains unknown.
10. Zaki Ali Sabri was arrested on 10 February from the city of Afrin by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
11. Adnan Abu Mazlum was arrested on 11 February from the city of Afrin by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
12. Mohammed Safwan was arrested on 11 February from the city of Afrin by members of the Military Police. His fate remains known.
13. Nidal Mohammed was arrested on 11 February from the city of Afrin by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
14. Bassel Ahmed was arrested on 11 February from the city of Afrin by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
15. Arif Rashid Hassan, 33 years old. He was arrested on 14 February from the city of Afrin by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
16. Mohammed Sheikh Hanan Sheikh Mustafa, 45 years old. He was arrested on 14 February from the city of Afrin by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
17. Walid Mohammed Maho, 50 years old. He was arrested 14 February from the city of Afrin by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
18. Farho Hanan Tano was arrested on 14 February from the city of Afrin by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
19. Abdo Hanan Tano, 19 years old. He was arrested on 14 February from the city of Afrin by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
20. Mohammed Ramo was arrested on 26 February from the city of Afrin by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
21. Hilan Batal Khader, 28 years old. She was arrested on 23 February from Bassouta village by members of the Military Police. Her fate remains unknown.
22. Haifa Qassem, 60 years old. She was arrested 23 February from Bassouta village by members of the Military Police. Her fate remains unknown.
23. Amina Mustafa Qassem was arrested 23 February from Bassouta village by members of the Military Police. Her fate remains unknown.
24. Susan Batal Khadr, 25 years old. She was arrested on 23 February from Bassouta village by members of the Military Police. Her fate remains unknown.
25. Omed Akram Batal was arrested 23 on February from Bassouta village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
26. Duran Omar Abroush was arrested on 23 February from Bassouta village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
27. Abdou Mesto Qassem, 50 years old. He was arrested on 23 February from Bassouta village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
28. Shadi Battel Khader, 36 years old. He was arrested on 23 February from Bassouta village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
29. Mohammed Batal Khader, 43 years old. He was arrested 23 February from Bassouta village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
30. Hassan Tubal, 70 years old. He was arrested on 23 February from Bassouta village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
31. Ridan Ahmed Najjar was arrested on 23 February from Bassouta village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
32. Jamil Khalil was arrested on 23 February from Bassouta village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
33. Khalil Khalil was arrested on 23 February from Bassouta village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
34. Abdo Mesto Qassem, 50 years old. He was arrested on 23 February from Bassouta village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.

II. Rajo District

Rajo district witnessed 20 arrests, among them one woman, by members of the Military Police, the Hamza/Hamzat Division, and the Sham Legion/Faylaq al-Sham. Six of the detainees were released, while 14 others remain unaccounted for. The detainees are:

1. Bashir Hassan Hassan was arrested on 1 January by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
2. Jalal Sabri Mohammed was arrested on 1 January by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
3. Hussein Dawood Ali was arrested on 1 January by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
4. Rashid Omar was arrested on 2 January by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
5. Hussain Anwar Ali was arrested on 6 January from the city of Rajo by members of the Military Police on the charge of involvement in bombings. His fate remains unknown.
6. Sheikh Musa Ahmed Meestaklo was arrested on 12 January by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
7. Mohammed Bakr was arrested on 14 January from Kawinda/Gewenda village by members of the Sham Legion on the charge of dealing with the Autonomous Administration. He was handed over to the Military Police and later released.
8. Mohammed Mustafa Sido was arrested on 14 January from Kawinda/Gewenda village by members of the Sham Legion/Faylaq al-Sham on the charge of dealing with the Autonomous Administration. He was handed over to the Military Police and later released.
9. Mohammed Esmat Sido was arrested on 14 January from Kawinda/Gewenda village by members of the Sham Legion/Faylaq al-Sham on the charge of dealing with the Autonomous Administration. He was handed over to the Military Police was later released.
10. Ali Hussein Osman was arrested on 19 January from Musako‎/Māskānlī village by members of the Hamza/Hamzat Division on the charge of dealing with the Autonomous Administration. His fate remains unknown.
11. Ziad Abdel Rahman Kaao was arrested on 8 February from Kawinda/Gewenda village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
12. Ali Nuri Sido was arrested on 8 February from Kawinda/Gewenda village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
13. Mohammed Hussein was arrested on 11 February from Kurkan village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
14. Hevin Habr Musa, 30 years old. He was arrested on 15 February from Kawinda/Gewenda village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
15. Aslan Ahmed Amin was arrested on 20 February from Amara village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
16. Aslan Bahri Amin was arrested 20 February from Amara village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
17. Hamid Khadr Mohammed was arrested on 20 February from Musako‎/Māskānlī village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
18. Mohammed Mustafa Ali was arrested on 20 February from Ba’dinli/Ba’dina village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
19. Rashid Habash was arrested on 20 February from Amara village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
20. Mohammed Mohammed Souran, 42 years old. He was arrested on 21 February from Meidan Ekbis village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.

III. Shaykh Al-Hadid District

The Shaykh al-Hadid District witnessed 9 arrests, among them a girl. Only 3 men were released and the fate of 6 others remains unknown. The detainees are:

1. Zaiem Mohammed, 40 years old. He was arrested on 1 January from Anqala/Inkélé village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
2. Sufyan Ajram Nebo, 41 years old. He was arrested on 1 January from Anqala/Inkélé village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
3. The girl Amal Rashid Fathi, 16 years old. She was arrested on 15 January from Haj Khalil village by members of the Military Police. Her fate remains unknown.
4. Ruwad Wahid was arrested on 1 February from Aranda village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
5. Reinas Hasso, 20 years old. He was arrested on 1 February from the city of Sheikh al-Hadid by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
6. Rashid Hussein Bakr, 42 years old. He was arrested on 2 February from Quramtlq village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
7. Bashar Omar Bakr, 18 years old. He was arrested on 2 February from Quramtlq village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
8. Rohat Wahid Mustafa, 37 years old. He was arrested on 4 February from Aranda village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
9. Mohammed Saeed Mohammed was arrested on 20 February from Quramtlq village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.

IV. Jindires District

Jindires District witnessed 14 arrests, among them a woman, by members of the Military Police, the Liwa Samarkand/Samarkand Brigade. Two of the detainees were released, while the fate of 12 others remains unknown. The detainees are:

1. Azad Jamil Nebo, 40 years old. He was arrested on 1 January from Basselhâya village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
2. Abdo Sheikh Kadro was arrested on 2 January from Bablayt village by members of the Military Police for assaulting police officers. He was later released.
3. Roni Khalil Dado was arrested on 3 January from Kafr Dalī at Taḩtānī village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
4. Khalil Ahmed Sheikh Issa, 30 years old. He was arrested on 8 January from Kafr Safra village by members of the Liwa Samarkand/Samarkand Brigade over an altercation between him and a displaced individual in the area. According to a villager, he was severely beaten and his hand broken by members of the brigade. He was later released.
5. Joan Saleh, 30 years old. He was arrested on 19 January at a Military Police checkpoint in Tarandat/Turindê village. His fate remains unknown.
6. Ali Shukri Hassein, 22 years old. He was arrested on 19 January from Miske village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
7. Prevan Shaheen Shaheen, 33 years old. She was arrested on 2 February from Kafr Safra village by unknown assailants. Her fate remains unknown.
8. Ahmed Hassan Mamed, 22 years old. He was arrested on 4 February from Kafr Safra village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
9. Hassan Hassan Hass, 23 years old. He was arrested on 4 February from Kafr Safra village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
10. Murad Said Khalo, 24 years old. He was arrested on 4 February from Kafr Safra village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
11. Abdul Rahman Mohammed Abdo Mohammed, 24 years old. He was arrested on 4 February from Kafr Safra village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
12. Mohammed Khalil Murad was arrested on 4 February from Kafr Safra village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
13. Ali Qadir Haji, 31 years old. He was arrested on 4 February from Kafr Safra village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
14. Mahmoud Mohammed Mahmoud, 18 years old. He was arrested on 4 February from Kafr Safra village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.

V. Bulbul District

Bulbul District witnessed 5 arrests by members of the Military Police. The detainees’ fates remain unknown. The detainees are:

1. Mohammed Safar Rasho, 35 years old. He was arrested on 4 January from the city of Bulbul by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
2. Khabat Bado Hanan was arrested on 13 January from Jolaq village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
3. Munther Abdo Hanan was arrested on 13 January from the Jolaq village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
4. Hamza Hamo was arrested on 5 February from Sa’rayatli village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
5. Osman Shaaban was arrested on 20 February from the city of Bulbul by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.

VI. Sharran District

Sharran District witnessed 9 arrests by members of the Military Police. Their fate remains unknown. The detainees are:

1. Bashar Osman Osman was arrested 24 January from Kafr Janneh by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
2. Shirko Osman was arrested 24 January from Kafr Janneh village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
3. Rashid Manan Hamdoosh was arrested 24 January from Kafr Janneh village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
4. Mohammed Sheikh Mohammed, 48 years old. He was arrested 3 February from Qara Tepe village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
5. Ahmed Abd al-Hanan Khalil was arrested 3 February from Mereskê village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
6. Khalil Mala was arrested 5 February from Quartiklaq village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
7. Aslan Mustafa Horo, 55 years old. He was arrested 10 February from Quartiklaq village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
8. Ismail Nabi Sheikho, 35 years old. He was arrested 16 February from Qara Tepe village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
9. Ali Hassan Hassan, 30 years old. He was arrested 16 February from Qaṭma village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.

VII. Maabatli/Mabeta District

Maabatli/Mabeta District witnessed 53 arrests, among them a woman and five children. 28 of the detainees were released, only two children among them, and the fate of the other 25 detainees, among them one woman and three children, remains unknown. The detainees are:

1. Arif Osman Alo, 68 years old. He was arrested on 12 January from Mīrkān village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
2. Abdul-Qadr Mustafa Khalil, 43 years old. He was arrested on 12 January from Mīrkān village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
3. Bashar Hanan Rashid Bakhro was arrested on 12 January from Shekhotka/Şêxûtka village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
4. Shirin Rafat Primo was arrested on 15 January from factories in Ma’mal Ushaghi village by Military Police. Her fate remains unknown.
5. Mohammed Izzat Mohammed was arrested on 15 January from Ain Hajra village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
6. Mohammed Izzat Mohammed’s son, Mohammed Izzat Mohammed, was arrested on 15 January from Ain Hajra village by Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
7. Muhyi al-Deen Shaheen was arrested on 17 January from the village of Abraz by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
8. Said Bahir Sheikh Sidi was arrested on 19 January from Shekhotka/Şêxûtka village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
9. Haidar Bakr Sido, 57 years old. He was arrested on 25 January from Shekhotka/Şêxûtka by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
10. Izzat Mohammed Ahmed, 17 years old. He was arrested on 25 January from Mīrkān village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
11. Nuri al-Din Ezzat Ahmed, 51 years old. He was arrested on 25 January from Mīrkān village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
12. Diya Ahmed, 17 years old. He was arrested on 26 January from Maratah village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
13. Mustafa Korkhlo, 16 years old. He was arrested on 26 January from Maratah village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
14. Mustafa Faiq Mustafa, 37 years old. He was arrested on 26 January from Yakhor village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
15. Samir Faiq Mustafa, 45 years old. He was arrested on 26 January from Yakhor village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
16. Abdul Rahman Faiq Mustafa, 35 years old. He was arrested on 26 January from Yakhor village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
17. Fahmi Ali Abo, 47 years old. He was arrested on 26 January from Yakhor village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
18. Walat Ali Abo, 40 years old. He was arrested on 26 January from Yakhor village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
19. Rifai Iso Iso, 27 years old. He was arrested on 26 January from Yakhor village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
20. Reinas Mohammed Hasso, 21 years old. He was arrested on 26 January from Yakhor village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
21. Nazmi Mohammed Hamarsho, 54 years old. He was arrested on 26 January from Yakhor village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
22. Mohammed Fawzi  Mohammed, 14 years old. He was arrested on 26 January from Yakhor village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
23. Arif Riad Jabo, 14 years old. He was arrested on 26 January from Yakhor village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
24. Rizkar Mohammed Mohammed, 27 years old. He was arrested on 26 January from Yakhor village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
25. Mohammed Nazmi Naso, 26 years old. He was arrested on 26 January from Yakhor village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
26. Hamid Ahmed Khalil, 55 years old. He was arrested on 26 January from Yakhor village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
27. Fayiq Iso, 23 years old. He was arrested on 26 January from Yakhor village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
28. Shayar Jamil Abo, 26 years old. He was arrested on 26 January from Yakhor village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
29. Jano Ahmed Khalil was arrested on 26 January from Yakhor village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
30. Idris Hajj Ali Abbou, 35 years old. He was arrested on 26 January from Yakhor village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
31. Hussein Ma’amo Mustafa, 70 years old. He was arrested on 28 January from Shurba/Şorbe village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
32. Ali Omar, 63 years old. He was arrested on 28 January from Shurba/Şorbe village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
33. Siamand Wahid Jaafar, 30 years old.  He was arrested on 28 January from Shurba/Şorbe village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
34. Rabar Mustafa Ja’far, 20 years old. He was arrested on 28 January from Shurba/Şorbe village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
35. Shayar Kalkel Sido was arrested on 31 January from Semalka village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
36. Ahmed Abd al-Rahman Sido was arrested on 31 January from Semalka village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
37. Yusuf Mohammed Battal was arrested on 31 January from Semalka village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
38. Araz Mohammed Yusuf was arrested on 31 January from Semalka village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
39. Yusuf Mohammed Battal was arrested on 1 February from Semalka village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
40. Shayar Kalkel Sido was arrested on 1 February from Semalka village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
41. Ahmed Abd al-Rahman Sido was arrested on 1 February from Semalka village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
42. Araz Mohammed Yusuf was arrested on 1 February from Semalka village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
43. Hussein Mustafa Mamo was arrested on 2 February from Shurba/Şorbe village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
44. Ali Omar was arrested on 2 February from Shurba/Şorbe village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
45. Rabar Mustafa Ja’far was arrested on 2 February from Shurba/Şorbe village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
46. Siamand Wahid Ja’far was arrested on 2 February from Shurba/Şorbe village by members of the Military Police. His fate remains unknown.
47. Mustafa Bakr Omar, 62 years old. He was arrested on 15 February from Mīrkān village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
48. Mustafa Mahmoud Hanan, 61 years old. He was arrested on 15 February from Mīrkān village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
49. Mohammed Manan Abdo, 60 years old. He was arrested on 15 February from Mīrkān village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
50. Mohammed Mustafa Haiko, 45 years old. He was arrested on 15 February from Mīrkān village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
51. Mohammed Mohsen Hamalko was arrested from Mīrkān village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
52. Mustafa Ja’far King Khamis, 25 years old. He was arrested from Mīrkān village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.
53. Fayiq Suleiman Mohammed was arrested from Mīrkān village by members of the Military Police. He was later released.