US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce speaking to reporters during a press briefing in Washington on May 6, 2025. Photo: Screengrab/AP
WASHINGTON DC - Washington on Thursday sharply criticized the Syrian government’s appointment of former militia leader Ahmad al-Hayes to division commander in northern Syria, noting he is accused of committing serious human rights violations.
“The interim authority’s decision to appoint this individual, who has a long record of human rights abuses and undermining our defeat-ISIS mission, to an official position is a serious mistake,” State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told Rudaw in a press briefing.
“The US does not support” the appointment, she added.
Hayes, also known as Abu Hatem Shaqra, was the leader of the rebel militia group Ahrar al-Sharqiya that is accused of the 2019 assassination of Kurdish politician Hevrin Khalaf, an act that drew international condemnation.
In 2021, the US sanctioned Hayes, accusing him of serious human rights violations including trafficking Yazidi women and children, and connections with the Islamic State (ISIS).
The Syrian Ministry of Defense earlier this month appointed Hayes commander of the 86th Division operating in Deir ez-Zor, Hasakah, and Raqqa, which includes areas under control of the Kurdish administration in northeast Syria (Rojava).
The Kurdish leadership has criticized his appointment, saying Hayes is responsible for the brutal killing of Khalaf.
“How can someone who committed murder and mutilated the body of a political victim be rewarded an official post?” said Adalat Omar, head of the Women’s Coordination Board in the Rojava administration, North Press Agency reported.
“The Syrian judiciary must fulfill its responsibilities and ensure justice for the victims of the Syrian conflict by prosecuting those responsible for war crimes,” she added.
The spokesperson for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Farhad Shami, said the promotion of Hayes is an “unacceptable step that will taint state institutions.” He also called for Hayes to be prosecuted.
The SDF in March struck a deal with the interim Syrian government to integrate into federal institutions.
A State Department spokesperson confirmed to Rudaw last month that the US does not recognize the transitional government in Damascus.
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