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Questions Arise Over Religious Requirement in "Interim Government" Recruitment
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Targeting the 18-25 age group reflects an attempt to exploit Syrian youth in military conflict under the guise of regular recruitment
The "Interim Government" in Damascus launched a new recruitment campaign, amid interpretations of the requirement to subject recruits to religious training, marking a notable shift in fighter recruitment strategy.
A Ministry of Information source confirmed the circulated announcement is authentic but the requirement for religious training has been modified in subsequent announcements.
Military authorities impose conditions including physical fitness, absence of chronic diseases and injuries, good conduct, and a minimum five-year service commitment, attempting to institutionalize the recruitment process.
The campaign exclusively targets single men aged 18-25, reflecting an urgent need to compensate for manpower shortages after significant losses in recent years.
Recruitment centers are distributed across 13 strategic areas including major governorates: Idlib, Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Daraa, Deir ez-Zor, and Latakia, plus tactically important towns like Al-Bas, Jisr al-Shughur, Harim, Sarmada, Darkush, and Darat Izza.
The 21-day training period raises concerns about inadequately prepared fighters facing future combat risks, suggesting quantity is prioritized over combat effectiveness.
These changes come as the "Interim Government" faces increasing challenges controlling its territories, driving extraordinary measures to strengthen military power, even at the expense of standard criteria.
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