This ACCORD query response, published on 24 February 2025, examines self-defence duty in North and East Syria, including possible legal changes, penalties, recruitment in Deir ez-Zor, mobilisation and combat deployment. It draws on an email provided by Muhsen AlMustafa on 18 February, reporting that the situation regarding self-defence service had remained unchanged at that point. His contribution also addressed desertions recorded within the Syrian Democratic Forces after the fall of the Assad government, including personnel performing self-defence duty.