Human rights group slams use of Syrian mercenaries

A human rights organization is condemning the use of Syrian mercenaries, including children and teenagers, in Libya’s civil war.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Monday that Turkey has sent 11,600 Syrians to fight for the interim government in Libya.

It says 351 have died, including 20 under the age of 18.

Turkey backs the interim government based in Tripoli in the west. Its troops are battling forces led by General Khalifa Haftar advancing from the east.

The two sides are backed by different countries.

The human rights group says the Syrian mercenaries are lured with an offer of about 2,000 dollars a month.

It says the international community must stop the exploitation of Syrians, who are struggling with poverty after years of civil war in their country.

Source: Human rights group slams use of Syrian mercenaries | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News