Young Kurdish men, including members from religious minorities, have recently signed up to join the Syrian government's General Security forces in Afrin.

This recruitment push comes as the government in Damascus faces increased scrutiny due to recent sectarian violence and widespread reports of abuses against civilians from minority communities such as Alawites and Druze.

A UN-backed commission recommended that authorities should recruit from minority groups for a more 'diverse security force composition' to improve community relations and trust.

The recruitment effort has drawn mixed reactions, with some expressing hope for greater inclusion while others remain skeptical about the government's intentions.

Some young men joining the forces express aspirations of unity and an end to conflicts, while others fear potential negative employment in future armed conflicts.

A Kurdish man living in Afrin shared that some families are pushing their sons to join due to a lack of alternative career options or hopes of gaining political benefits.

The recruitment drive is part of a larger national strategy aimed at involving the youth of Afrin in all government institutions, not only within internal security but also in civilian institutions.

The exact demographic breakdown of the new recruits remains unclear, with authorities emphasizing that competency and patriotism are the criteria used for recruitment rather than sectarian quotas.