Erdogan’s crimes: Turkey-backed militias stepping up their violations in Afrin

Ali Rajab

Militias backed by Turkey maintain the arrest and kidnapping of civilians in northern Turkey.

Crimes, violence and kidnappings are on the rise in Afrin and in other areas controlled by Turkish troops in the Syrian north.

The disappearance and arrest of over 21 Afrin residents were documented in the first week of February by the Center for Documenting Violations in Northern Syria.

Areas controlled by Turkey witnessed the arrest of 90 people in February. The center said the number of people arrested could be higher.

The death of civilians under torture was also documented during the same month.

Looting and theft are becoming daily occurrences in the same areas at the time homes are being confiscated from their original owners. The arbitrary arrest of civilians is also becoming rampant in the areas controlled by Turkey in northern Syria. Kidnappings are rife too. The kidnappers demand ransom to release their victims.

Letting the soldiers and militia members loose is an intentional policy of Turkey. Syrian militias usually execute this policy. This execution, most of the time carried out by what is known as the Free Syrian Army, happens under full supervision by Turkey.

Over 7,433 people have landed in jail since Turkey overran Afrin and most of northern Syria. These people included 1,098 who were subjected to torture. Around 137 of these people were also killed.