Qamishlo: Syrian Democratic Forces Accused of Abducting Minor Riyad Khaled Youssef
ARK News.. In a continuation of policies aimed at intimidating children, stripping them of their childhood, and forcing them into conscription camps in areas under their control, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have reportedly abducted a minor in Qamishlo.
A private source told Ark News that militants from the Revolutionary Youth Movement affiliated with the SDF, abducted 16-year-old Riyad Khaled Youssef on April 23, 2025, and transferred him to child recruitment camps.
According to the source, despite his family's desperate attempts to locate him, their efforts have so far been unsuccessful.
This incident comes despite the prior agreement signed by Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the SDF, with Virginia Gamba, the United Nations Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, pledging to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children under the age of 18 in military activities. However, reports indicate that the practice of recruiting minors continues unabated.
SDF, Child Recruitment, Human Rights, Qamishlo
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