News / Syria

US-backed SDF militants kidnap civilians, prevent food from entering al-Hawl refugee camp

Thursday, 03 September 2020 3:01 PM [ Last Update: Thursday, 03 September 2020 3:37 PM ]

In this file picture, women and children are seen at the al-Hawl refugee camp in northeastern Syria near the border with Iraq. (Photo by The New York Times)

Militants affiliated with the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have abducted several civilians from the al-Hawl refugee camp in the northeastern Syrian province of al-Hasakah, and prevented the entry of food stuff highly needed for thousands of people stranded at the camp.

Local sources told Syria’s official news agency SANA that US-backed SDF militants on Thursday stormed the camp, located near the border with Iraq, and arrested a number of people, before preventing food from crossing into the site amid a worsening humanitarian situation there.

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SANA added that the development took place only a day after more than 25 minors suffered nausea and breathing difficulties after they were apparently given various doses of sleeping bills to be smuggled out of the refugee camp to a training camp run by the SDF militants.

SDF militants’ positions attacked in Dayr al-Zawr, Raqqah

Also on Thursday, the positions of the US-sponsored militants were attacked by unidentified assailants in Syria’s eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr as well as the northwestern province of Raqqah.

SANA, citing civil sources in Dayr al-Zawr, reported that unknown people hurled a hand grenade at an SDF position in Abu Hamam town in Abu Kamal district, causing material damage. There were no reports of casualties.

Military convoy of SDF militants attacked in northeastern Syria

Locals complain that the SDF’s presence has generated a state of frustration and instability.

Elsewhere in al-Hous village in Raqqah province, several SDF militants were injured when a car bomb explosion struck them.

Security conditions are reportedly deteriorating in SDF-controlled areas in Hasakah, Dayr al-Zawr and Raqqah amid ongoing raids and arrests of civilians by the militants.

Local Syrians complain that the SDF’s constant raids and arrest campaigns have generated a state of frustration and instability, severely affecting their businesses and livelihood.

Residents accuse the US-sponsored militants of stealing crude oil and refusing to spend money on service sectors.

Local councils affiliated with the SDF have also been accused of financial corruption.

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