Child Soldier Recruitment Surges in Syria Despite Assad’s Fall

Despite the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, the recruitment of child soldiers continues in Northeast Syria, with documented cases rising sharply over the past year, according to the Syria Justice and Accountability Centre (SJAC).

SJAC’s latest update confirms 49 new cases of child recruitment by the Revolutionary Youth (RY) between April 2024 and April 2025, primarily in Aleppo, Hasakeh, and Raqqa governorates. RY, affiliated with the terririst organization PKK and its Syrian branch YPG, is reported to have coerced or circumvented families in recruiting minors into armed groups like the YPG, YPJ, and Asayish.

Peaks in recruitment were recorded in July 2024—amid fears of a Turkish incursion—and again during March–April 2025, following a political agreement to integrate SDF forces into Syria’s new interim government under Ahmad al-Sharaa.

Children Under 15 and Girls Targeted in Rising Numbers

Of the 49 cases, 69% of the children were under 15—violating international humanitarian law and constituting a war crime under the Rome Statute. Gender analysis revealed 31 boys and 18 girls were recruited, with a notable spike in female recruitment in early 2025.

SJAC warns that this trend signals organizational instability and potential urgency by RY to consolidate military strength before the full integration of forces concludes by end-2025.

Geographic Distribution and Training Transfers

Most cases were concentrated in Aleppo governorate (57%), particularly in Kobani, Aleppo city, and Manbij. Children were often relocated to undisclosed training camps, making their return home difficult. SJAC also documented smaller clusters in Hasakeh and Raqqa.

Accountability Demands and International Pressure

SJAC urged both the SDF and the Syrian interim government to disband RY, prosecute recruiters, and safely return children. It also called on the U.S. and EU to pressure their Syrian counterparts during ongoing integration talks.

Recommendations include military doctrine reform, specialized child protection teams, and stronger birth registration mechanisms to prevent future recruitment.