Syrian Government Push to Recruit Kurds and Minorities in Afrin Met with Hope and Skepticism

Syrian Government Push to Recruit Kurds and Minorities in Afrin Met with Hope and Skepticism
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The Syrian government has launched a new recruitment drive to bring Kurds and religious minorities into its General Security forces in Afrin, a region long scarred by displacement and sectarian tension, Arab News reported. Officials say the effort is part of a broader national strategy to create more inclusive institutions.

Government officials in Afrin reported that around 1,000 young men from “all sects and communities” have signed up in recent days. Among them are Kurdish Alawites and Yazidis, many expressing hopes that their participation could signal a more equitable future. “We will stand together, united, and avoid problems and wars from now on,” said Abbas Mohammad Hamouda, a Kurdish Alawite recruit.

Afrin, once a Kurdish-majority area, was seized in 2018 by Turkish forces and allied opposition groups, forcing tens of thousands of Kurds to flee. Those who remained reported discrimination and marginalization, while displaced Arabs resettled in the district.

The push to diversify Syria’s security ranks comes after a UN-backed commission urged Damascus to recruit more minorities following reports of sectarian violence against Alawite and Druze civilians. Damascus, now controlled by Sunni Islamist former insurgents who toppled Bashar Assad in December 2024, faces pressure to improve community relations.

Still, skepticism remains. The Afrin Social Association, representing displaced residents, criticized the move as an “irresponsible act” without guarantees for the voluntary and safe return of displaced families. Analysts warn the initiative’s impact will depend on whether Kurds and minorities gain real leadership roles, and whether abuses by armed groups cease.

Local residents are divided—some see the recruitment as a chance to reclaim influence, while others fear Kurdish recruits may be exploited in future conflicts with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.