The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) has raised the alarm over escalating violence and alleged crimes against humanity in northern Syria. According to SOHR Director Rami Abdulrahman, Turkish-backed jihadist groups, including the Syrian National Army (SNA) and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), are perpetrating severe violations against Kurdish communities in areas such as Tel Rifaat and the Aleppo (Heleb) countryside. Reports suggest Kurdish women have been captured by these forces following clashes.
The ongoing operation, referred to as ‘Freedom Dawn’, has triggered a second wave of displacement for Kurdish populations, with fears of further violence against Kurdish and Alawite civilians in the coming days. Viral images purportedly show atrocities committed by the SNA, including executions. Abdulrahman also highlighted HTS’s involvement in attacks on Syrian government positions, using drones and targeting a missile depot, resulting in casualties among both fighters and civilians.
In a statement to BBC Arabic, Abdulrahman dismissed the Syrian political opposition’s influence over these battles, noting their disconnection from military operations led by groups they themselves label as terrorists. The intensification of violence, coupled with mass displacement, underscores the urgent need for international intervention to prevent further atrocities.
