This post is also available in:
العربية
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) recently arrested 13-year-old Mohammad Ali Matar, a child from the city of Al-Quriyah, east of Deir Ezzor, accusing him of belonging to the Syrian National Army and being affiliated with the Al-Qa‘qa‘ Battalion.
An official source denied the validity of the accusations against the child, explaining that the Syrian National Army does not recruit children, nor does the Turkish Army follow such a policy. The source also confirmed that the claims made in the recorded video report , in which the child allegedly stated he underwent a 45-day training course , are false, as no such courses exist in the “Peace Spring” area. The source added that the Al-Qa‘qa‘ Battalion is affiliated with “Al-Shamiyah”, and has had no connection with the “20th Division” for more than four years.
The source indicated that the child had entered the Peace Spring area with his family with the intention of migrating to Turkey. He reportedly took a photo wearing a military uniform belonging to one of his friends, merely out of pride. After the area was liberated, he attempted to return to Deir Ezzor, but was captured by the SDF, who allegedly forced him to make recorded confessions under duress.
The source explained that the child was physically abused, with visible bruises appearing on his nose, and that he was sentenced to five years in prison simply because of the photo he took.
The sources hold the SDF fully responsible for kidnapping and torturing the child, and call on the Syrian government to assume its moral and legal responsibilities to protect children from violations committed by armed militias.
