US-backed SDF/YPG kills at least 65 civilians in Aleppo, raising war crime concerns

U.S.-backed SDF, a group linked to the YPG terrorist group, has been accused of killing at least 65 civilians in sniper attacks across Aleppo over the past two months according to TRT World.

Among the victims were a child, two women, and two humanitarian workers. A report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) describes these killings as deliberate and systematic, potentially amounting to war crimes.

Why it matters

These actions underscore ongoing tensions in Syria, especially regarding the SDF/YPG, which is linked to the PKK, a terrorist organization designated by Türkiye, the U.S., and the EU. The sniper attacks are seen as violations of international law, particularly the prohibition against targeting civilians.

Details

• After the Assad regime’s withdrawal from Aleppo in November 2024, the SDF/YPG expanded their presence, setting up sniper positions in areas like al-Sheik Maqsoud and al Ashrafiya.
• Civilians returning to their homes or assessing the damage were targeted.
• Humanitarian efforts were hampered as snipers fired on aid workers from the Syrian Red Crescent and White Helmets.

What SNHR says

The SNHR has called these attacks premeditated, with a clear strategy to terrorize the population and maintain control over key parts of the city. They argue that these actions violate the principle of distinction between civilians and combatants, a fundamental tenet of international humanitarian law.

What happens next

The SNHR is urging the international community to investigate the SDF/YPG for these war crimes and hold them accountable. The organization calls for increased international pressure to ensure the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers in Aleppo as the situation remains volatile.