On Tuesday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that a deal was reached between the Turkish intelligence and leaders of several Syrian militias to transfer mercenaries to Afghanistan, like those who were sent to Libya, and Nagorno-Karabakh.
However, the process of recruiting these mercenaries will be via Turkish security companies with official contracts, starting in September. Their main task will be protecting Kabul airport, governmental institutions and headquarters, and the international forces.
SOHR added that Turkey wants to circumvent international law by registering these mercenaries as security company employees, in order to legalize their presence in Kabul.
The Observatory claimed that the mercenaries would not take part in any military operations against the Taliban, and will work for a monthly salary of between $2,000-3,000 US dollars per month.
Notably, the number of Syrian mercenaries sent to Libya by Turkey is estimated at 18,000, including 350 minors under the age of 18. The majority of these child soldiers were recruited by the ‘Sultan Murad’ militia, who exploited their personal hardships to enlist them.
About 10,750 mercenaries are thought to have returned to Syria after the end of their contracts. The number of jihadists believed to have arrived among them is 10,000 fighters, of whom 2,500 were Tunisian nationals.