Khaled Iskef
21st Century Wire
Turkish-backed factions under various names continue violating international laws and customs north Syria, especially in the region east of the Euphrates, and in Afrin and the Aleppo countryside.
All available reports confirm a rise in the number of civilian victims of the militant factions acting under the gaze of the Turkish military, a member of NATO.
It’s been roughly 44 days since the launch of Ankara’s cynically titled “Operation Peace Spring” being carried out east of Syria’s Euphrates River, and the number of civilians who have been displaced is steadily rising totaling approximately 300,000 people according to statements made by Kurdish officials, whereas the UN estimates are considerably lower, at around 180,000.
The violence which has ensued has been devastating to local populations in Syria. Apart from displacement, the Turkish-backed factions are now on record as committing different human rights violations ranging from torture, arrest, field beheadings, indiscriminate shelling, shelling of civilians homes, confiscation of people’s properties and real estate, using international-prohibited weapons, and intentionally targeting medical staff and journalists, all of which has certainly aggravated the already poor conditions marked by chaos and insecurity in across the region. Consequently, assassinations and explosions have appeared again in those same areas.
War Crime Documented
Publicly available data compiled here and here, from sources inside of Syria paint a shocking picture of rampant human rights violations and war crime committed under Turkish command.
After the Turkish troops entered the area east of the Euphrates, rates of violence and crimes committed by the Turkish-backed militants has risen significantly – in Afrin, Azaz, al-Bab, and Jarablus west, and right across northeastern Syria. As of 11 Nov 2019, approximate totals include some 355 civilians, including 18 children were killed, of which some 12 people including women and children who were beheaded by these same militant under the command of direct Turkish government forces.
Additional reports reveal how these factions have also arrested 100 civilians including 12 who were severely tortured.
Turkish-backed factions under various names continue violating international laws and customs north Syria, especially in East Euphrates and Afrin in Aleppo countryside.
In Afrin alone, since the start of Operation Olive Branch in 2018, the Turkish-backed factions have kidnapped approximately 2,500 people, including women, children and elderly. The gunmen took control over houses and farmlands, cut down trees, and committed other violations against the civilians, all of which has claimed the lives of 1,413 people, with 54 killed under the administration of torture by Turkish-backed militants. The number of unlawful detainees has reached up to 5,678 people.
The total cost of human and material losses in northern Syria areas due to the Turkish military operations and the horrific acts of their loyal militant factions during the past two years alone is distressing:
- 2,400 people were injured, including 295 children and 206 women during raids on their homes or being beaten by the gunmen.
- 1,660 air raids as well as 800 operations of shelling with mortars and artillery against residential villages were documented.
- In-fighting among the Turkish-backed factions reached up to 230 fights inside cities and towns.
It has been recorded that 445 Syrian refugees were shot to death by the Turkish border police while they were trying to cross the Syria-Turkey border, including 83 children and 56 women. Injuries from live fire or attacks has reached up to 416 people, including those who tried to cross the borders or the residents and locals in the villages and towns adjacent to the borders.
- 1,492 houses attacked with some turned into prisons or military centers.
- Approximately 95 houses and stores were burned.
- 130 more houses were completely destroyed.
- 1,400 graves were removed
- 65 schools and service centers were turned into military headquarters to be used by the factions leaders.
NOTE: The Turkish-backed ‘Free Syrian Police‘ are in fact deputised by Al-Nusra Front (since rebranded as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham/HTS) and other terrorist groups who are controlling towns and villages in areas like Afrin, Syria, and like the White Helmets, this self-described ‘civil society’ cadre is supported and funded by UK government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, a fact even documented by BBC and others.
Formerly US-backed “Free Syrian Army” is now an official Turkish regiment comprised of many known ISIS terrorists (Image Source: DW/El Halebi)
Amnesty International has confirmed that Turkey and their loyal factions have committed multiple “war crimes” during their military operations east of the Euphrates, and have conducted “gruesome executions,” and attacks against civilians, and described those acts as “shameful and sorrowful.”
According to reports, these violent acts include not only open and public threats of mass-beheadings, but also video evidence of actual beheadings have already been circulating widely online.
Gunmen from various factions participating in “Peace Spring” committed crimes, especially gunmen from Ahrar al-Sham, Ahrar al-Sharqyeh, al-Hamza, and al-Jabha al-Shamiya and other gunmen from the militant force formerly called the Free Syrian Army and now rebranded under the new name of the “Syrian National Army” which is the outcome of merging several factions.
Turkish acts and violations also included medical, political and media figures in a way that resembles those committed by ISIS such as what happened with Hevrin Khalaf and Amara Rinas, two Kurdish activists, with a video showing bearded militants repeating religious cries in front of the dead bodies of Kurdish fighters in the background scene, and with victims said to killed by groups like Ahrar Al-Harqiya.
Former ISIS Fighters – Now Under Turkish Command
The number of the fighters in the Turkish-backed factions includes some 50,000 gunmen, including numerous militants known to be among ISIS members before joining the pro-Ankara factions. A former ISIS fighter reported this very fact to the UK paper, The Independent, thus confirming that NATO member Turkey has been using the name of the now defunct Free Syrian Army as a carefully designed smokescreen in order “to conceal its use of jihadi mercenaries.”
This may also explain reports of these very same Turkish-backed forces reported to have deliberately released Islamic State detainees in Ain Issa Syria, Syria around 12 October, which was admitted by two US offificals.
So far, at least 76 members have already been documented by Arabic news sources of fighters said to belong to proscribed international terrorist organisations including ISIS and Al-Nusra Front.
Several regional Arab lauguage news sites including ANF News, Hawar News, and other sources, appear to have since confirm the following gunmen as original members of terrorist know organizations, and who are now are fighting under Turkish military command and ostensibly under the banner of NATO:
1. Basel Mohammad al-Ali: 23 years old/Homs known as Talha. He was a member in ISIS organization since its establishment in 2013. He fought with them in Homs Desert, known as Badia, and worked in the security field in June 2017. He moved to Akhtarin, north Aleppo and joined Al-Hamza Division and now he is in Suluk, Raqqa countryside.
2. Basel Ghassan al-Asoura: Known as Abu Osama al-Shami, was born Damascus 1993. He first joined Nusra Front in 2012 in Damascus Ghouta and pledged allegiance to ISIS in 2014 and fought with ISIS in Ghouta and in Suwayda countryside. In 2016 he moved to the outer safe zone of ISIS in Damascus countryside and then went to Idleb. In 2017, he had a military training in Turkey and participated with the Turkish army in its attack on Afrin. He is now in Tell Abiad within al-Hamza Division.
3. R. Smeed: Known as Abu Islam al-Qalamoni, born in Damascus countryside, Al Nabk, 1994. He joined ISIS 2014 in Damascus Wilaya, Qalamoun Sector. He fought different battles in Damascus countryside and Palmyra Badia, and Tanf Base. He led a security detachment in the outer safe field in 2016. He carried out several security operations in Damascus and accessed 3 trapped vehicles into the Sayyida Zainab area of Damascus countryside. He went out to the Idlib area with his security group in 2017 and worked in coordination with “Prince Abu Ayman al-Iraqi” and entered the leaders of ISIS “al-Omaraa” to Turkey. In 2018 he joined “Ahrar al-Sharqiya” faction with his entire group. He joined Turkey in the attack against Afrin. He is currently in the area of Ras al-Ayn in the countryside of al-Hasakah with the task of “cannon 23 shooter”.
4. Bashir Al-Ammouri: Known as “Abu Ahmad Al-Tadmari” from Al-Amour tribe, originally from Al-Sukhna, born in 1990. He joined ISIS in 2014 in the province of Homs, the army of the caliphate. He worked in security from the very beginning. And also continued his work there as opening routes for the members of ISIS to cross from the desert to Turkey and joined the Sultan Murad II Legion and participated in the Turkish attack on Afrin, now he is in east of the Euphrates, currently located in the city of Ras al-Ayn.
5. Abdullah Ahmad Al-Abdullah: Born in 1991, the mother’s name “Rehab Al-Shablakh” from the countryside of Homs, joined ISIS in 2014 as a security leader, moved to fight near Al-Tanf, and carried out several operations against the Syrian army and the SDF, was directly affiliated with “Abu Ayyub al-Iraqi”. In 2014, Abdullah seized a UN jeep in the Ghouta area of Damascus and brought it to the Petra region. He later moved to Azaz to continue his security work there. Distinguished by his close relationship with the Turks, in August he joined the faction “Al-Hamza”, participated in the Turkish attack on the city of Ras al-Ayn, He last appeared in the area of Aliyah and silos.
6. Abdullah al-Shammari: 20 years old, known as Abu Talha al-Shammari, from Sokhna in Palmyra, he joined ISIS in 2015 in Ash Sholah in Deir Ezzor, fought with ISIS in Sokhna and Palmyra, and fled to al-Rai in Aleppo in February 2018. He joined Ahrar Alsharkia, and now fights in the Suluk and Tell Abiad.
7. Abdullah Mohammed al-Oweidi: Known as Abu Saif al-Halabi, born in 1989 from al-Safirah in Aleppo countryside, joined ISIS in 2015 and fought several battles in Aleppo countryside. He moved to al-Dabsi area in 2016 and became the prince of al-Hisba in 2016. He had a modern black Toyota car equipped with a Dushka machine gun. In 2017 he moved to Idlib and joined the factions belonging to Turkey (Division 23) Al-Hamza.He participated with Turkey in the attack on Afrin and participated in the recent Turkish attack on Tell Abiad and is currently located in Tell Abiad.
8. Abdullah Mohammed al-Enezi: A 27-year-old Saudi, known as Abu Muhammad al-Jazrawi, his mother is Noura, a Saudi. He joined ISIS from Saudi Arabia through Turkey in 2015. He was fighting with a suicide gang and fought against Russia and the Syrian army in Homs and Damascus countryside, and was the commander of the lions of Adnani battalion. He moved to Azaz in 2017 and joined Ahrar al-Sharqiyya, which belongs to Turkey, and became a military leader in Ahrar al-Sharqiya. He is currently in Tell Abiad.
9. Abdul Rahman Muhaimid: Known as Qaswarah al-Deiri, born in Deir Ezzor in 1992, joined Nusra Front in 2012 in Deir ez-Zor. He withdrew to Daraa with Nusra Front members and fought against the Syrian army alongside al-Qaeda. In 2015, he moved to Hama and became a prince on a group known as Red Bands. In 2018, he joined Ahrar al-Sharqiya and fought alongside Turkey in East Euphrates.
10. Abu Faisal al-Naimi: Born in Palmyra in 1990, joined ISIS in 2014.He fought with ISIS first in Homs within the Heavy Weapons Section 23-caliber, fought in the battles of Sha’er, Jazal, Sukhna and Palmyra, and fought against the Coalition at al-Tanf base. In 2018, he joined the First Corps of the 20th Division of the Sultan Murad Brigade and fought alongside Turkey in Afrin. He was transferred by Turkey along with thousands of gunmen to fight in East Euphrates. He is currently in Ras Al Ayn.
11. Abu Omar al-Hatim: Born in Raqqa, Kasra Juma district, aged 32, joined ISIS in 2015. He supervised the military points west of the city. He was promoted to the rank of Prince of the Sector. Then he moved to Azaz when Washington’s coalition began to attack to control Raqqa. He joined Ahrar al-Sharqiya and is currently in Ras al-Ayn.
12. Abu Suleiman Al-Manbaji: 34 years old, was born in Manbij, Aleppo, joined ISIS in 2015 in Raqqa, was promoted to the post of military prince of the “Indulgers” Group, fled from Raqqa to Azaz in 2017, then joined Ahrar al-Sharqiya and became a military commander of a group. He is currently in Tell Abiad.
13. Abu al-Wafa al-Tunisi: A 34-year-old Tunisian. He was a former Tunisian intelligence officer who moved to Syria through Turkey in 2014. He specialized in the military legal field. He became a legitimate prince in Raqqa then he was transferred to al-Khair Wilayat to be the legitimate prince there. He gave military trainings and motivated suicide bombers. He fled to Azaz in Aleppo in coordination with Ahrar Al-Sharqiya in 2017 and assumed the position of legitimate faction. He is currently in Ras Al-Ayn.
14. Adham Fateh al-Shukraji: Born in Deir Ezzor in1999. He joined ISIS at the end of 2013 and had legal and military trainings in the village of Shumaitia and was transferred to Sokhna and was fighting in the first row and then moved to Omar Bin al-Khatab Brigade in Deir al-Zour and fought in the neighborhoods of industry and workers. He coordinated with his cousin Abdullah Saad Al-Shakraji, who works for Ahrar Al-Sharqiya in Al-Bab. In 2017, he escaped to al-Bab and worked with the Turkish military police and is now in Ras Al-Ain within the “Syrian National Army.”
15. Ahmed Al-Ali Al-Jassim: Born in Raqqa, 28 years old, known as Abu Islam Al-Shami, joined ISIS in 2015 in Raqqa. He was recruited in Madan as a BMB driver. He fought in Mabrouka and Suluk and fled to Al-Rai in Aleppo countryside, which is controlled by Turkish-backed gunmen in 2017. He joined the Ahrar al-Sharqyeh and is currently in Tell Abiad within the “Syrian National Army.”
16. Ahmad Khaled al-Rahmoun: Known as Abu Maria al-Ansari, was born in Damascus in 1993. He first joined the “Free Syrian Army” in 2013 near al-Tanf. He had trainings by the US soldiers of the International Coalition in al-Tanf where he stayed for 6 months. He was arrested with the charge of stealing ammunitions. He fled al-Tanf and immediately joined ISIS in 2014 and fought against the Syrian army in Damascus. In 2016, he moved to Idleb with the help of the prince, Abu Mustafa al-Lubnani. He left for Turkey for a short time and reappeared as a fighter among Hamza Division. He participated in the attack on Afrin and he is now in Tell Abiad within the “Syrian National Army.”
17. Orwa Asaad al-Dafis: Known as Abu Sameer al-Homsi, born in 1989 in Homs countryside. He joined ISIS in 2014. He took the post of a security prince in Riad al-Salhin Battalion in Homs Wilayat. He participated in the battles in Damascus countryside, As Suwayda, and al-Tanf against the Syrian army. He fled to Turkey in 2017 with the help of the prince, Abu Mostafa al-Iraqi, in charge of Siddik Brigade. He returned to Syria and joined Sultan Murad Brigade. He participated in the attack against Afrin. Then he moved to al-Bab and joined Ahrar al-Sharqyeh. He is currently in Ras al-Ayn, a leader of a 20-gunman group.
18. Fayez al-Abdulkareem: Known as Abu Fatima al-Raqqawi, 23 years old, from Raqqa. He joined ISIS in 2014. He worked with ISIS in Brigade 93. He was transferred to join Caliphate Army. He fled to Afrin in 2018 and joined Hamza Division. Then moved to Ras al-Ayn within the “Syrian National Army.”
19. Fadi Kusay Sultan: Born in Damascus, al-Hajar al-Aswad. Aged 23. He is known as Abu Torab al-Shami. He joined ISIS and moved to Raqqa in 2015. He was appointed a prince of a group in Deir al-Zour. Then he moved to Homs and came back to Raqqa 7 months later to be appointed a military princein Raqqa countryside. He fled to Azaz in 2017 and joined Ahrar al-Sharqyeh. He is now in Tell Abiad.
20. Fahd Salloum al-Idlibi: 27 years old, born in Saraqib, Idlib, known as Abu Ali al-Idlibi. He was a member in the political security before 2011. He joined ISIS in 2014. He moved to Raqqa and was the head of the political office there. He fled to al-Rai in Aleppo in 2017. He joined Ahrar al-Sharqyeh as a security member and is now in Tell Abiad.
21. Fahad Khalaf Al-Ali Al-Sayed: Born in 1998, Raqqa, Tell Abiad Street (mother, Sabah). Known as Saif al-Islam. He joined ISIS in 2015, and fought within the Caliphate Army in Deir Ezzor/al-Khair Wilayat, on the fronts of the Tharda Mountains and the military airport, fled to the Azaz, Aleppo countryside in 2017 and there he joined Hamza Division. After that, he was transferred by Turkey to Ras al-Ayn.
22. “Fahd Khalaf Al Narjis: 23 years old, born in Deir Ezzor/Ayyash, known as Abu Khawla al-Dairi” (mother, Suad). He joined ISIS in 2014. Moved to Al Tebni area in Deir Ezzor countryside. Counter-23 man. He fought with ISIS on the fronts of Raqqa countryside then fled to al-Rai area in Aleppo in 2017 then moved to Turkey, and returned to join Ahrar al-Sharqiya faction. He is now in Suluk east Tell Abiad.
23. “Faraj Ahmed Al-Sayyed: Born in Deir Ezzor, Al-Joura area, aged 32 (mother, Kawthar). “Known as Abu Abbas Al-Iraqi. He joined ISIS in 2014, in Al Tebni in Al-Manjam in Deir Ezzor countryside. He specialized in the military leadership, worked as a leader in a group in ISIS called “Kawaser Al-Anbar”. He fought on the fronts of the western countryside of Raqqa. He fled to al-Rai in Aleppo on 2017 and became commander of a battalion that belongs to Ahrar al-Sharqiya faction. Then he moved to Tell Abiad.
24. “Hamid Alwan Al-Hassan: Aged 23, Deir Ezzor/Hawaij Albu Masaa, known as Abu Salha Tau (mother, Amira). He joined ISIS in 2014 in Ash Shaddadi in Hasaka, working as a missiles operator. He fought for ISIS in Al-Bishri area of Deir Ezzor, fronts of Sokhna, Palmyra and Badia of Homs. He fled to Al-Rai area in Aleppo in 2017 then he moved to Turkey for a while and then returned to join the faction of “Ahrar Al-Sharqiya, from which he moved to Ras Al-Ayn area.
25. “Samir Hassan Khalif: Aged 19, known as Abu Omar al-Faruq, born in Raqqa\al-Tayyar (mother, Suad). Joined ISIS in 2016, was transferred into the Caliphate Army and fought for ISIS on the fronts of Huzaima, Raqqa. Then he fled to al-Rai area in Aleppo in 2017. He joined Ahrar al-Sharqia and is currently fighting with them within the National Army in Ras al-Ayn, Hasaka.
26. “Hasan Khalif Hassouni: Aged 37, known as Abu Abdullah Khreitah”, born in Deir Ezzor (mother, Fatim). Joined ISIS in 2015, fought the Syrian army in the Madan area in Deir Ezzor, moved to the branch of Islamic police in the western countryside of Deir Ezzor, in Al Tebni. He fled to Al-Rai area in Aleppo in 2017 and joined Ahrar Al-Sharqiya, then he joined Hamza Division and moved with them by Turkish orders to Tell Abiad.
27. “Husam Al-Adlabi”: 37 years old, known as Abu Mohammed Al-Amani, born in Saraqib, Idlib. He joined ISIS in 2014 in Raqqa, after moving to Raqqa with a military battalion he led, he worked as a leader in the group called “Inghimasin, meaning Indulgers in Arabic” in Deir Ezzor. He fled to Azaz, Aleppo in 2017 and joined Ahrar al-Sharqiya from which he moved to the Tell Abiad within the Turkish-affiliated “Syrian National Army.”
28. “Hudhayfah Al-Asaad: Aged 23, known as “Abu Zaid, born in Raqqa/Kesra Juma area. He joined ISIS in 2015, fought in Raqqa countryside then moved to the Caliphate Army and specialized in missiles, fought with ISIS on several fronts. In 2017, he fled to Azaz, Aleppo, then joined the Sultan Murad faction and then to Ahrar al-Sharqiya. He is currently fighting in Tell Abiad with Ahrar al-Sharqiya faction within the Turkish-affiliated “Syrian National Army.”
29. “Majed Al-Khalid”: Known as Haj Majid, known as Haji Abu Omar Al-Ansari, born in Homs countryside, 1983. First formed a battalion under his command under the name of Liwaa Al-Haq in Hama countryside/Uqayribat area, then in 2014 he joined ISIS with his group with full weapons in the countryside of Hama, where he was considered one of the founders of ISIS in Hama. He took the post of the Military Prince of Hama took command of “Suiciders and Indulgers” battalions in the three wilayats of Hama, Homs and Damascus. He participated in breaking into Damascus countryside and fought in As Suwayda. He moved with a group of suicide bombers to Idlib, in 2017. He joined the Hamza Division as a battalion commander. With Turkish support, he moved to Ras al-Ayn within the “Syrian National Army.”
30. Ali Hassan Al-Taha: Aged 27, known as Abu Doula Hawen (mother, Jamila), from Deir Ezzor, joined ISIS in 2015, and fought for them in Ash Shaddadi, Hasaka as mortar and artillery gunner in Deir Ezzor/Kawkab area. He later moved to Raqqa and fled to Azaz in 2017, and joined the faction of “Ahrar Al Sharqiya”, and is currently a fighter in the National Army in Ras Al Ayn.
31. “Mohammad Asim al-Sabra: Known as Abu al-Harith al-Ansari, born in 1996, joined ISIS in 2014, in the countryside of Homs. Specialized in information security, technical and communication with ISIS operatives in Europe. He stayed in Damascus for some time as a follower to ISIS leader of, Abu Muhammad. He moved in 2017 to the “Free Syrian Army” at the US military base in Al-Tanf. He had a US military training and moved to Azaz after 3 months. He joined the Hamza Division and fought in Afrin and is now participating in the battle of Tell Abiad with Hamza Division.
32. “Mohammed Bassam Mesto: Born in 1995, Idlib (mother Nora, father, Bassam). He joined Nusra Front in 2015 in Idlib/Jisr al-Shughur. In 2017, he moved to Azaz, joined Hamza Division and then moved by Turkish orders to fight in Suluk, in Tell Abiad.
33. “Mohammad Ahmad Sweis: Known as Abu Ahmad Al-Homsi, born in 1995, originally from Homs, joined ISIS in 2015 in Damascus. He participated in battles against the Syrian army on Al-Tanf axis, and Palmyra. He then moved to al-Bab in 2017 and joined Ahrar al-Sharqiya from which he moved to Turkey. He also participated with the Turkish Army in the attack on Afrin, then moved by Turkish orders to Tell Abiad.
34. Awad Jamal Al-Jarad: Known as Abu Ajmal Al-Ansari, born 1988 Homs (mother, Bushra Al-Abed). He joined ISIS in 2015. He took command of a group in Riyad al-Saleheen battalion of Homs, then moved in 2016 to Damascus, and then to Azaz, taking over the intelligence mission, gathering information and coordinating between the ISIS women in Idlib to transfer them to and from Turkey and other cities. In 2018 he joined Hamza Division, participating with the Turkish army in the attack on Afrin after joining Ahrar al-Sharqiya. He is currently in Tell Abiad, leading a 30-member armed group. He turned the Public Post Office to a headquarter of his group within the National Army.
35. Muthanna Khalil al-Hassan: 25 years old, known as Abu Aisha al-Tebni. Mother, Khadija. He joined ISIS in 2013 in Deir Ezzor. He fought against the Syrian army with ISIS on the fronts of Deir Ezzor as a military commander of a group in the Sokhna area until 2017. He fled to al-Rai, Aleppo countryside. He joined Lions of the East Army and moved by Turkey’s orders with his faction to fight in Tell Abiad.
36. “Mohammad Al-Badriyah: Known as Abu Jalib Al-Ansari, born in Homs 1994, joined ISIS in 2015 in Homs. He fought several battles, including the battle of Sha’er, T4 and Jazrah. In 2017, he moved to Azaz and in 2018 he joined Hamza Division then moved to Ras Al Ayn.
37. “Mohammed Al-Hamdan”: Of Iraqi nationality, known as Abu Dajana Al-Iraqi, born in 1980, settled in Homs, and is considered one of the founders of ISIS in Syria, took over the post of military prince in the wilaya of Badia, then was responsible for monitoring points in Hama, and participated in most ISIS battles in Homs, Damascus and Hama. In 2017, he moved to Idlib with a number of ISIS operatives, and formed a battalion “Suqur al-Badia” which belongs to Sultan Murad Brigade and is made up of former ISIS fighters. He participated in several battles, including the Turkish attack on Afrin and Tall Rifat, and moved by Turkish orders to fight in Tell Abiad.
38. “Mohammed Anas Al-Obaid: Known as Abu Anas Al-Harbi, was born in 1995, Homs. He joined ISIS in 2015 in Homs, taking part in the battles of Palmyra, Tanf and the Al-Shaer’s field. In 2016, he moved to Azaz and joined Sultan Murad Brigade. He had a military training in Turkey and moved to Ahrar al-Sharqiya. He participated in the Turkish attack on Afrin, in the attacks on Tall Rifat, and then moved by Turkish orders to Tell Abiad.
39. Mohammad Omair Al-Barghash: 23, known as Abu Khaled Ayyash, born in Ayyash/Deir Ezzor (mother, Zahra). Joined ISIS in 2014 in Al Tebni in Deir Ezzor western countryside as a “mortar man” in several areas “Ash Sholah, Badia” against the Syrian army and then was transferred to the area of Manbij in Aleppo countryside, where he fled to Azaz in 2016, joined the Ahrar al-Sharqiya Brigade, then moved by Turkish orders to Tell Abiad.
40. “Mohammad Mohiuddin Al-Arandas:” Known as Abu Reem, born in 1993, Homs countryside. In 2013, he joined the “Free Syrian Army”. He joined US trainings in Jordan. In 2014, he joined ISIS in Damascus. He took up the post of “Prince of Antis Workshop” in Damascus. In 2016, he moved to Idlib, then to Turkey to where he received training in Hatay camps. He participated in the attack on Afrin and Tall Rifat, and then moved by Turkish orders to Tell Abiad with the mission of laying mines.
41. “Mohammad Khader Al-Alouni: 35 years old, known as Abu Islam Al-Ansari (mother, Suad). He joined ISIS in 2013, in Deir Ezzor, specializing in the field of armaments. He stayed therefor of more than a year. After that, he was transferred to Raqqa and was appointed a prince of armament point in Kasra Juma area. He fled to al-Rai in 2017, where he joined Ahrar Al Sharqiyah, and moved by Turkish orders to the Ras Al Ayn.
44. “Mustafa Mohammed Al-Jayer:” Aged 24, known as“Abu Yasser Al-Shami (mother, Sahar). Born in Al Safirah, Aleppo. He joined ISIS in 2014. He moved to Raqqa and Deir Ezzor. He returned to Raqqa, to move to Homs. He fled to Al-Rai, Aleppo in 2017 and joined Ahrar al-Sharqiya then moved by Turkish orders to Tell Abiad in 2019.
45. “Munir Khalil”: Born in 1997 in Damascus, joined ISIS in 2015, participated in several battles in Damascus against the Syrian Army and the airport of T4 and Ghouta of Damascus, and participated in the massacre of Homs in 2015. He moved to Hama in 2016 where he was beseiged with his group, and withdrew to Idlib. He then joined Hamza Division, then moved by Turkish orders to Tell Abiad in 2019.
46. “Mousa Hassan Al-Alilah:” Aged 27, known as Abu Aisha, Born in Ayash/Deir Ezzor (mother, Fatim). He joined ISIS in 2014 in Al Tebni in Deir Ezzor, he fled to Al-Rai in Aleppo with a group of 40 ISIS fighters. He joined Ahrar al-Sharqiya, then moved by Turkish orders to Ras al-Ayn in 2019.
47. “Mousa Mohammed Al-Naklawi: 35 years old, known as Abu Fatima Al-Qannas” Residents of Al-Tayana area of Deir Ezzor. He joined ISIS in 2014 in Ash Shaddadi in Hasaka. His task was a “sniper” within the Caliphate Army on the fronts of Tal al-Bayah and its surroundings. He fought with ISIS on several fronts. He fled to al-Rai of Aleppo province on 2017 and joined the faction “Ahrar al-Sharqiya”, and then moved by Turkish orders For Tel Abyad area 2019.
48. Qais Mohammed al-Sheikh: Known asd Abu Muhammad al-Tabqawi, mother: Ghalia al-Sheikh, born in 1995, originally from al-Tabqa of the Nasser tribe, joined NusraFront in 2013, and participated in the battle of Ras al-Ayn in 2013, and was shot in the abdomen in the village of Tal Halaf and withdrew with Nusra Front Deir Ezzor, in 2016. Then he moved to Hama countryside and then went to Idlib. In 2017 he joined Ahrar al-Sham and participated in the battle of Afrin and is currently participating in the battle of Tell Abiad.
49. Qusay Said al-Aziz: Known asd Abu Said al-Homsi, born in 1991, originally from al-Khnaifis area of Homs province (mother, Hayat Uzair). Joined ISIS in 2014. He fought the Syrian army in Damascus countryside, Homs and Hama. In early 2017, he went out with a group of Palmyra desert to Idlib province in coordination with Turkish officers, and underwent a course with a group of 100 fighters in the Turkish territory, and then entered the city of al-Bab and participated directly in the battle of Afrin and then and began in coordination with the fighters of the Islamic State of Palmyra and smuggled to Jarablus and included them with the battalion Hamzat at the behest of Turkish intelligence, he is currently fighting with his group in Ras al-Ayn, and has a high point in the silos.
50. Ra’ad Hussein al-Wakaa: 22 years old, known as Abu Basil al-Shami, mother, Fatim, Deir Ezzor province, pledged allegiance to ISIS in 2015, sent into the Caliphate Army of Raqqa province, fought on Manbij front, then moved to Homs province and fought with ISIS on the fronts of Sokhna and Palmyra. He fled to al-Rai in Aleppo in 2017 and joined Ahrar al-Sharqiya in the “Badr Martyrs” Brigade, and is now fighting on the fronts of Tell Abiad with Ahrar al-Sharqiya.
51. Ra’ad Issa al-Barghash: Aged 34, known as Abu Zainab. Mother: Wadha, a resident of Ayyash in the city of Deir Ezzor, pledged allegiance to ISIS in the area of Al Tebni in 2013. He specialized in the security field, killing innocent civilians. He fled to al-Rai in Aleppo in 2017, joined Ahrar al-Sharqiya and became a security official and now is fighting with Ahrar al-Sharqiya on the fronts of Tell Abiad.
52. Radwan al-Homsi: 28 years old, known as Abu al-Harith, from Al bukamal in Deir Ezzor, pledged allegiance to ISIS in 2013 as prince of al-Hisbah in Tabqa. He was assigned to his mission in Homs. After more than 7 months, he returned to Raqqa and was commissioned as Zakat prince. He moved to Azaz in Aleppo in 2017 and joined Sultan Murad, and he is now fighting on the fronts of Ras al-Ayn and giving Islamic and military lessons.
53. Refaat Ibrahim al-Akel: Known as Abu Rabea al-Ansari, born in 1990, originally from Damascus, joined ISIS in 2014 in the Riyad al-Saleheen battalion of Homs. He moved to external security with Prince Abu Saad al-Iraqi, and went out towards Idlib. He opened the roads for them, then joined with Al-Hamza Division in 2018 and participated in the battle of Afrin, Tall Rifat and is currently a participant in Tell Abiad.
54. Salim Turki al-Entari: Known as Abu Saddam al-Ansari, originally from Palmyra, from the Amur tribe, joined ISIS in 2014 to the wilaya of Badiah. He was a military prince of the state and participated in the battles of al-Tanf, Palmyra and al-Shaer. He moved to the external security in 2017 by Prince Abu Khaled al-Iraqi. He then joined the Ahrar al-Sharqiya Brigade, participated in the battles of Afrin and Tall Rifat and is currently a participant in the battle of Ras al-Ayn with the First Division with the 123rd Brigade. His face appears in the video of the murder of Havrin Khalaf.
55. Samer Ali Al-Rawi: Aged 23, known as Abu al-Harith al-Iraqi, from Iraq, pledged allegiance to ISIS in 2013, then moved to Syria in Raqqa. He taught his fighters how to set traps. He stayed in the Kasrat area in Raqqa and had a group to work with him until 2017. He then fled to Azaz and joined Ahrar al-Sharqiya, and he is now fighting with Ahrar al-Sharqiya in Tell Abiad now.
56. Thamer Nasser al-Ani: 30 years old, known as Khabab al-Iraqi, from Iraq, pledged allegiance to ISIS in Iraq in 2013. He was a military prince in one of the groups. He moved to Ash Shaddadi in Hasaka in 2015. He became the prince of fortifications on the fronts of Kawkab in Hasaka. He was sent to the countryside of Raqqa. He fled to Azaz in Aleppo in 2018 and joined Ahrar al-Sharqia and is now fighting with them on the fronts of Tell Abiad.
57. Samer Mohammed al-Baghdadi: 32 years old, known as Abu Bakr Husaynat. Mother, Rabiaa, a resident of Deir Ezzor, al-Jubaylah district. He pledged allegiance to ISIS in Ash Shaddadi Hasaka, was transferred to Deir Ezzor and became a prince of fortifications. Then to Raqqa and became the prince of fortifications in its western countryside. He then fled to Azaz in Aleppo in 2017, and is now fighting in the fronts of Ras al-Ayn and its surroundings with Hamzat Division.
58. Saad Al-Huthaifi: 37 years old, known as Abu Abdullah Al-Jazrawi from Saudi Arabia, working on legal matters, entered Syria from Turkey, pledged allegiance to ISIS in 2015 in Raqqa, appointed as an Islamic judge in Deir Ezzor and Al-Ash Shaddadi in Hasaka in 2016. Then was moved to Shamtiya area in the western countryside of Deir ez-Zor and became a general judge. He fled to Azaz in Aleppo in 2017 and joined Ahrar al-Sharqia. He now works as a military Islamic judge and fights on the fronts of Ras al-Ayn.
59. Samih Fawad Yazalji: Aged 21, known as Walid al-Dairi, living in Deir Ezzor (mother, Mahouda). He pledged allegiance to ISIS in 2015 in Raqqa and fought with ISIS on the fronts of Raqqa countryside. He escaped to Al-Rai in Aleppo in 2017 and joined Ahrar al-Sharqiya. He is now fighting on the fronts of Tell Abiad today.
60. Samir al-Khaled al-Abed: 22 years old, known as Abu Suleiman al-Ansari, a resident of Raqqa al-Safarneh neighborhood, pledged allegiance to ISIS in Saif al-Dawla area in Raqqa, was transferred into the Caliphate Army and fought on the fronts of Raqqa countryside. He then was transferred to Deir Ezzor with a group of 40 others. He fled to Azaz, Aleppo in 2017 and joined Sultan Murad, and is now fighting on the fronts of Suluk with Ahrar al-Sharqiya.
61. Sufian al-Qasha’im: From al-Na’im tribe, originally from Palmyra and known as Sufian al-Naimi, born in 1985. In 2013, he joined ISIS. He is considered one of the founders of ISIS in Syria. He took over the post of General Military Commander in Damascus. He fought against the Syrian army in Homs countryside, Hama and Palmyra, and he participated in the battle of al-Tanf and captured and killed a large number of Ismaili and Druze communities in the countryside of Hama and al-Salamiyya. ISIS made him a member of the Commission’s mandate. He is a high-ranking prince known on YouTube as Sufyan al-Naimi. He came out with a group of approximately 150 gunmen to Idlib, forming the Battalion of Palmyra Martyrs. He is currently the military commander of the “Sari Kani” campaign.
Note: Sufian captured and killed almost 200 people in the countrysides of Suwayda, Hama and Salmiya and kidnapped an American named “Peterxix”, working for a relief organization in Idlib countryside, who was executed by ISIS later on. This man is well known on YouTube and on the list of the wanted for International Coalition.
62. Sharif Ali Esbro: Born in 1987 in Idlib (mother, Noura). Sharif had been a member of Nusra Front in 2014 for several years in Jisr al-Shughur, Idlib. He was a prominent prince. He went to Afrin and joined the Euphrates Shield of Ahrar al-Sham in 2017. He is now a leader of Ahrar al-Sharqiya, in charge of “Suluk” village in Tell Abiad countryside.
63. Tariq Abdul Aziz al-Dairi: 27 years old, known as Abu Omar al-Dairi, lived in Deir al-Zour, al-‘Amal neighborhood, in 2015 in Ash Shaddadi Hasaka (mother, Sahar). He was transferred to Raqqa countryside to join Caliphate Army and fled to al-Rai, Aleppo. He joined Ahrar al-Sharqiya faction and is now fighting on the fronts of Suluk and Tell Abiad with Ahrar al-Sharqiya.
64. Tariq Qasim Al-Dairi: 20 years old, Known as al-Hamshari, lived in Deir Ezzor, Ksarat district (mother, Khawla). Joined ISIS in 2016 in Raqqa, he was moved into the security field. He worked with his Amir Abu Muhammad Al-Qahtani, setting traps in Raqqa northern countryside. He joined Ahrar Al-Sharqia in 2017 and is now fighting in the fronts of Tell Abiad with Ahrar Al-Sharqiya.
65. Osama Khalaf al-Hajj: 23 years old, known as Abu Abdullah khreita, lived in Khreitah, Deir ez-Zor (mother, Muzna). He joined ISIS in 2014 in Al Tebni in Deir ez-Zor in 2014. He specialized as a combatant in Caliphate Army and was transferred to al-jarniya in Tabqa countryside, fled to al-Rai in Aleppo in 2016. Then he joined Ahrar al-Sharqiya and now is fighting with them on the fronts of Suluk.
66. Khaled al-Hajjaji al-Hazza: Known as Abu Faisal al-Ansari, born in 1990. He joined ISIS in 2014 in Homs. He fought several battles, including the T4 Airport and Damascus countryside. He fought in al-Tanf against the coalition. He went directly to Idlib in 2017 and joined the Army of Islam. Trained in Turkey for a month and participated in the battle of Afrin, Tall Rifat and Shahba and is currently in Ras Al-Ayn fighter with the Army of Islam.
67. Khalaf Hilal al-Abed: 27 years old, known as Abu Omar Madan, lived in Deir al-Zour, joined ISIS in 2015 in Al Tebni in Deir al-Zour, then was transferred to al-Khair Wilayat in Deir al-Zour and specialized in 23 cannon. He fought with ISIS in Ayn al-Arab then escaped to Al-Rai of Aleppo in 2017 and joined Ahrar al-Sharqiya and became a counter-23 and is now fighting on the fronts of Tell Abiad with Ahrar al-Sharqiya.
68. Ghassan Ali Al-Kurdi: 27 years old, known as Abu Khaled, lived in Hasakah, Ghweiran district (mother, Fadwa). Joined ISIS in 2015, inAsh Shaddadi in Hasaka. He was transferred into the Caliphate Army on the fronts of Deir Ezzor Military Airport. fled to al-Rai, then joined Ahrar al-Sharqiya, and is now fighting on the fronts of Ras al-Ayn.
69. Khattab Ali Al-Maslawi: Aged 30, known as Khatab al-Iraqi, from Al-Aan City in Iraq. He joined ISIS in 2014, and was the prince of the “Indulgers” in Iraq, then came to Ash Shaddadi in Hasaka. He became a fighting trainer in Hawija qate’, and then moved to the city of Tabqa and continued his work. He fought on several fronts in Aleppo, and when the fighting began in Raqqa in 2017, he fled to al-Rai in Aleppo and is now fighting on the fronts of Sari Kani.
70. Khattab Muhammad al-Khader: 24 years old, from Aleppo, joined ISIS in 2015 inTabqa, specialized in heavy weapons. He became a mortar and artillery gunner on all fronts of Tabqa countryside. He fled to the Rai area of Aleppo in 2017 and joined Ahrar al-Sharqiya and is now fighting on the fronts of Ras al-Ayn and its surroundings.
71. Ghazwan al-Shammari al-Abed: 30 years old, known as Abu Marwan Sharii, a resident of Damascus, Al-Hajar al-Aswad district, joined ISIS in Raqqa. In 2014, he specialized in Islamic “Dawa”. He went to Mosul in Iraq, stayed there for a year, then returned to Deir Ezzor. He became the prince of Dawa and mosques, then was sent to al-Baraka Wilayat on a mission. He then returned to the province of Raqqa, where he was assigned a legal and military mission for the countryside of Raqqa. He fled to Azaz in Aleppo in 2017. He joined Ahrar al-Sharqiya and became responsible for a faction and now he fights with them on the fronts of Tell Abiad.
72. Yahya Ahmad al-Salama: Known as Abu Zakaria al-Ansari, born in 1994, joined ISIS in Homs with Riyad al-Salheen Battalion. He participated in the battles of Hama countryside and the battle of al-Sha’er and went to Aleppo for support, where he met the prince Abu Yaman who was in charge of the outside security in Idleb. Yahya then went to Turkey and had a military training for 15 days and returned and joined the Hamza Division and participated in the battle of Afrin and Tall Rifat, and is currently in Tell Abiad.
73. Yahya Awad al-Jarad: Known as Abu Muhammad al-Homsi, born in 1992 in Homs, pledged allegiance to ISIS in Uqayribat area in Hama countryside. He became the responsible for the security of Prince Abu Hamza al-Sanhaji in Badia and participated in several battles in Damascus, Hama and Homs countryside against the Syrian army and left for Turkey at the beginning of 2017 with a group of 15 people and had a military training in Turkey and participated directly in the battle of Afrin and is currently with his group with Hamza Division special forces and is in Ras al-Ayn and has a checkpoint in the district of Mashfa there.
74. Yaqoub Al-Dughaim: Known as Abu Alwais Nasra, born in 1992 in Idlib countryside, Jergnaz village, joined Nusra Front in 2014 in Idlib. He was initially an ordinary fighter. In 2016, he served as a group prince and underwent an “indulger” course at The American Abu Osama Camp in Khan al-Sabl countryside. In 2018, an agreement was reached between Nusra Front and Ahrar al-Sham movement. Yacoub and his “indulgers” group moved to Jarablus as a supporter of Ahrar al-Sham because of their disagreement with the other factions. Yacoub is currently participating in the fighting in Tell Abiad with Ahrar al-Sham.
75. Zubair Abdul-Fattah Hajj Abed: Born in 1995 in al-Tabqa city, from Al-Nasir clan (mother, Shamsa). He joined NusraFront in 2013 with his father, Abdul-Fattah Al-Sheikh. He participated in the battle of Ras al-Ayn in 2013. He withdrew with Nusra Front to Idlib after the murder of his prince, Abu Issa. He moved to Azaz and joined Ahrar al-Sham at Prince Mahmoud, known as the “uncle”, who is his actual uncle at the same time and participated in the battle of Afrin and is currently in Tell Abiad with Ahrar al-Sham.
76. Mohammed Jassim al-Rasho: From Ras al-Ayn, was a former ISIS prince who was found in al-Mabrouka town with his son Jassim on 24/10/2019 during the release of ISIS prisoners in al-Mabrouka town. He and his father, Jasem Al-Resho, were in Tell Abiad in 2014 and committed the most heinous massacres against civilians. After the liberation of the city by the YPG in 2015, he fled to Turkey to return again.
View the online dossier in English, including individual profile summaries and data for all 76 ISIS fighters here.
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Author Khaled Iskef is an independent researcher and journalist based in Syria. His work has appeared on a number of international media outlets including Al Mayadeen TV. See his archive here.
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