The family of Zainab Mohammad Nour al-Din Mannan (16 years old) issued an urgent appeal today, Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to the leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The appeal demands immediate intervention to secure her release following her abduction from the city of Amuda in northeastern Syria by a group known as the “Revolutionary Youth” (Shabiba al-Thawriyah), according to family testimonies.
Details of the Incident
According to obtained information, the minor, Zainab, was residing with her family in the city of Amuda following their displacement from the Afrin region; the family originally hails from the Maabatli district in rural Afrin. Testimonies indicate that the abduction took place approximately 15 days ago from a shelter for displaced persons from Afrin within the city, specifically for the purpose of child recruitment.
In a related context, the girl’s mother, Fatima Mamo Habib, confirmed that her daughter was abducted without the knowledge or consent of the family. She noted that the family has made several attempts to contact the relevant authorities to recover her, but all efforts have failed, as officials of the “Revolutionary Youth” have refused to return the child as of the date of this report.
Formal Appeals and Responsibility
The mother, accompanied by the girl’s brother, issued a direct plea to the SDF leadership, holding the controlling authorities fully responsible for her daughter’s safety. They demanded urgent measures to ensure her release and to halt such violations.
Legal Context and Human Rights Concerns
This incident raises renewed concerns regarding the continued recruitment of minors, despite previous pledges made by the SDF to cease these practices. This report emphasizes the necessity of:
Launching an independent investigation into the incident.
Holding those responsible accountable.
Ensuring the immediate and safe return of the girl to her family.
Implementing effective measures to prevent the recurrence of such violations in the future.
