Information has been documented concerning the detention of women and their enslavement, accompanied by explicit threats of sexual violence and exploitation. Sexual violence and gender-based violence, including threats thereof, are strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

Types of Violations
• Threats of sexual violence and enslavement
• Humiliating and degrading treatment
• Psychological violence
• Gender-based violence
• Attacks against personal dignity

Available information indicates that these violations were perpetrated by elements of the de facto authority.

In one set of footage, on or around 21 January 2026, two videos circulated showing the detention of two Kurdish women fighters affiliated with the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) by armed individuals in the Deir ez-Zor area. The recordings show the women unarmed, detained, and under the complete control of armed men. During filming, statements were made by the detaining party indicating that the two women would be “offered as sabaya to Abu Mujahid.”

Historically, the term “sabaya” has been used to refer to women taken as war spoils, including enslavement and sexual exploitation.

In other footage, women are shown being detained as sabaya, sold, and the videos disseminated with the perpetrator applying his own voiceover. In the recording, he states:
“We’ve brought you the strongest offer from your uncle, the sectarian. ‘Haflat’ for sale—the price of a hafla is the price of a radish seedling. Just a note: the ‘maids’ have AIDS. Whoever wants [one], contact me privately. You’re all welcome.”

The language used against the female victims, as well as the manner in which they are presented and filmed, reflects a deliberate intent to humiliate, impose gender-based degradation, and inflict systematic psychological harm.

Limitations
• It was not possible to verify the exact location of detention.
• The subsequent fate of the forcibly detained women remains unknown.