Turkish-backed factions recruit children in suicide attacks against SDF

Reliable sources have informed the Syrian Observatory that Turkish-backed factions sent two children, aged less than 15, disguised as shepherds, to carry out a suicide attack on military gatherings of SDF in the village of Al-Kalta, west of Tal Abyad. One of the children blew himself up before reaching SDF posts, injuring the other child, while SDF members managed to arrest him.

Turkish-backed factions tried to infiltrate into SDF checkpoints two days ago. No casualties were reported.

Children are vulnerable and at risk in situations of armed conflicts despite the protection provided for by international law, some of whom are fighting on the frontlines. Thousands of children have been recruited since the beginning of the war by the Syrian regime, the Islamic State and other factions operating in Syrian territory. Despite international protection agreements, children are still being exploited.