Joseph Milad Zeno, a young man from the city of Salamiyah in the eastern countryside of Hama, was subjected to an abduction by masked gunmen wearing military uniforms in the Eastern Dummar area near the capital, Damascus. According to surveillance camera footage, the incident occurred on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
Based on available information, the victim is in his thirties and belongs to the Ismaili sect. He is a university student employed at a supermarket and suffers from a hearing impairment, categorizing him among the most vulnerable groups. Reports indicate that the kidnappers contacted his family following the abduction, demanding a substantial ransom for his release, in what appears to be a clear case of financial extortion.
In a related context, preliminary indicators suggest the potential involvement of elements affiliated with ISIS in the abduction. A social media account under the name “Abu Muawiya al-Damashqi,” which glorifies the organization, was observed publishing information about the victim, accusing him of acting as an informant for security agencies.
Analyses suggest that such operations may fall within the framework of extremist organizations’ efforts to secure alternative funding sources through kidnapping and ransom demands, particularly in light of the decline in traditional revenue streams.
This incident occurs amidst escalating concerns regarding the targeting of civilians—specifically those belonging to religious or sectarian minorities—through abduction and enforced disappearance. Such acts constitute a grave violation of the right to liberty and security of person and necessitate an independent and comprehensive investigation to uncover the circumstances of the incident and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
