The Syrian regime has intensified its efforts to recruit young men in its armed forces and militias in Hassakeh province, northeast Syria.
A weak response to the regime’s previous calls for recruitment pushed the government to grant citizens two options: to join its forces, or leave the city.
Activist Milad Yusuf told Zaman al-Wasl that mandatory recruitment resulted in the departure of large numbers of young men the city, as the Democratic Union Party (PYD) abducted young men from homes, streets or markets in areas under their control – while the regime circulated lists of names required to mandatorily serve.
The activist claimed the regime intends to terminate salaries for a number of public sector employees required to undertake military service, forcing many to escape to Turkey.
Yusuf reported that Turkish-Syrian borders are currently witnessing heavy movement into Turkey, despite the risk and the high cost of the transportation, as smugglers now charge up to $350 per person.
The activist claimed the PYD began the digging of a ditch separating the northern part of Ras al-Ain town from its Turkish side.
Translated and edited by The Syrian Observer
