The Rights Monitor Syria platform is following with grave concern the case of the detention of 16 Syrian citizens, members of the crew of the Syrian vessel “Sword”. They have confirmed their continued abduction by Somali pirates since April 26, 2026, amid deteriorating humanitarian conditions and growing fears for their safety.
According to a circulating video clip, the detained crew members appeared in a direct appeal, during which they confirmed that they have been held by Somali pirates for over two months. They urged the Syrian authorities, as well as human rights and humanitarian organizations, to intervene urgently and work towards securing their release.
In the recording, the detainees explained that their supplies of food and drinking water are nearly exhausted. This exacerbates their humanitarian suffering and increases the risks threatening their health and safety, given their prolonged detention and the lack of a resolution leading to their release.
The crew members also reported that the company owning the vessel refused to pay the ransom demanded by the abductors, which they stated has contributed to prolonging their detention and the ongoing difficult conditions they face aboard the vessel.
This incident raises serious concerns regarding the safety of the detained Syrian seafarers, particularly in light of the limited information available regarding their health and humanitarian status and the conditions of their detention, as well as the ongoing state of uncertainty experienced by their families since the incident occurred.
Rights Monitor Syria expresses its full solidarity with the crew members and their families. It calls upon all relevant parties—including the Syrian authorities, competent international organizations, United Nations bodies, and humanitarian and human rights organizations—to take urgent action to ascertain the conditions of the detainees, ensure their safety, and secure their release at the earliest possible time.
The platform also calls for the mobilization of all possible diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to bring an end to this crisis, and to ensure that the detainees have access to necessary food, water, and medical care pending their release, in a manner that preserves their fundamental rights and human dignity.
