Senator Jim Risch Condemns Alleged Syrian Army Abuses Against Kurds in Aleppo Amid Ceasefire
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, publicly condemned the alleged human rights abuses committed by Syrian government forces against Kurdish civilians in Aleppo, calling for urgent accountability as a fragile ceasefire takes hold in the war-torn city. The accusations come amid reports that elements within the Syrian army, some aligned with jihadist factions, engaged in egregious acts during the recent seizure of two Kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo, raising serious concerns about the conduct of the Syrian military.
In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, on January 13, 2026, Risch expressed deep concern over the treatment of Kurdish civilians, emphasizing that after more than a decade of devastating conflict, the Syrian government and its armed forces bear the responsibility to protect the inherent rights of all citizens rather than violate them. He urged the Syrian authorities to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the abuses.
Among the most harrowing reports is the desecration of a Kurdish woman’s body, which was thrown from a high floor by a member of the Syrian army, an incident highlighted by the Syrian Network on Human Rights. Such acts underscore the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Aleppo despite the recent ceasefire.
The conflict in Aleppo has long been a focal point of Syria’s brutal civil war, with Kurdish communities often caught in the crossfire. The United States government, through agencies such as the U.S. Department of State, has repeatedly called for respect for human rights and the protection of civilians in Syria. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee, under Risch’s leadership, continues to monitor developments closely and advocate for international efforts to ensure justice.
Human rights organizations, including the Human Rights Watch, have documented numerous violations by Syrian government forces and allied militias throughout the conflict, highlighting the urgent need for accountability mechanisms. The recent ceasefire in Aleppo offers a tenuous opportunity to address these violations and prevent further abuses.
As the situation evolves, the United Nations remains engaged in diplomatic efforts to stabilize Syria and facilitate humanitarian access to affected populations. The international community faces mounting pressure to respond decisively to reports of war crimes and to support the Kurdish population’s safety and rights.
Senator Risch’s condemnation signals a continued U.S. commitment to holding perpetrators of human rights violations accountable and underscores the complexities of the Syrian conflict, where ceasefires often provide only brief respites amid ongoing violence. The path forward requires sustained international attention and coordinated action to protect vulnerable communities and uphold international law.
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