“In relation to the wave of violence that took place in Syria’s coastal region in March 2025, the Council has introduced new restrictive measures under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, targeting two individuals and three entities for serious human rights abuses,” the EU Council said in a statement.
Included in the sanctions list are Mohammed Hussein al-Jassim (Abu Amsha) and Seyf Boulad Abu Bakr, the notorious commanders of the Turkish-backed Suleiman Shah Brigade and Hamza Division, respectively, as well as their associated factions and the Sultan Murad Division.
The SNA is a coalition of militias backed by Turkey that have largely been integrated into the Syrian defense ministry. Throughout the course of the Syrian civil war, they have been complicit in attacks on minority communities such as Kurds and Alawites.
The EU accused all three factions of “targeting civilians and especially the Alawite community, including by committing torture and arbitrary killings of civilians,” stressing that they are “therefore responsible for serious human rights abuses.”
The measures are binding and directly applicable in all EU member states.
In March, violence erupted in Alawite-majority areas after armed groups, many loyal to ousted president Bashar al-Assad, launched attacks on forces allied with the government, prompting Damascus to respond with force.
Around 1,500 people, mainly Alawite civilians, were killed, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which said most of the casualties were caused by government or government-affiliated forces.
Two weeks ago, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on Damascus to exclude those with records of abuse from the Syrian security forces - referring to SNA militants - and said the fighters continue to detain and extort civilians in northern Syria.
Syria’s new authorities have faced backlash, particularly from the Kurds, for appointing militia figures complicit in serious human rights abuses against the community.
Sharaa’s interim government, headed by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has faced repeated criticism for its treatment of minority groups, with many Syrians and foreign powers fearing it will impose strict religious rule, posing a threat to Kurds, Druze, Christians, and Alawites. The violence heightened concerns over the future of these populations.
On May 20, the EU officially decided to lift all economic sanctions on Syria.
“The Council has also removed 21 entities from the EU list of those subject to the freezing of funds and economic resources,” the Council said on Wednesday. “Several of these entities are banks, including the Central Bank of Syria, or companies operating in key sectors for Syria’s economic recovery.”
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas hailed the decision, saying it comes at a “historic” time to safeguard Syria’s economic recovery.
“The EU has stood with the Syrian people throughout the last 14 years, and it will continue to do so. Today the EU reaffirms its commitment as a partner for the transition,” Kallas said.
