Syrian Rebels Illegally Recruiting From Jordan Refugee Camp

Activities threaten UN's humanitarian mission

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Rebels in the Free Syrian Army are recruiting fighters from inside a refugee camp in Jordan, in violation of a ban on rebel activities tin the camp from both the United Nations and Jordanian authorities, according to the Associated Press.

Rebels admitted to recruiting dozens of refugees — one man is reported to have said he trained 125 — in the Zaatari camp, according to the AP’s anonymous sources. An AP reporter claims to have seen to Free Syrian Army members urging refugees to train with the rebels using a loudspeaker.

The head of the UN refugee agency in Jordan told the AP that if UN officials see recruitment of rebels taking place inside the camps, “we will notify the Jordanian government.”

[AP]