This chapter looks into the topic of ‘actors of persecution or serious harm’. It focuses on the main actors in Syria, their areas of presence and control, the violations they have reportedly committed, and, where applicable, their structure and organisation.

The contents of this chapter include: Preliminary remarks Overview areas of control 1.1. The Government of Syria and associated armed groups 1.2. Syrian Democratic Forces and Asayish 1.3. Anti-government armed groups 1.4. Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) 1.5. Other non-State actors