On the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the framework of the Syrian War
This report by the Budapest Centre for Mass Atrocities Prevention compiles publicly available data on the use of artificial intelligence technologies during the Syrian conflict. It highlights how various state and non-state actors have utilized AI and autonomous systems for military operations and human rights violations, while also noting constructive applications such as humanitarian relief, reconstruction, and psychological support. The paper concludes with an urgent call for comprehensive, legally binding international legislation on the development and use of AI in conflict zones.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
Policymakers, international organizations, researchers, and human rights advocates interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence, armed conflict, and international law.
What the document contains
The document covers the deployment and testing of artificial intelligence, unmanned vehicles, intelligence and surveillance systems, and automated weaponry by state actors (Russia, the United States, China, Turkey, Iran) and non-state actors (ISIS, Hezbollah) during the Syrian war. It also examines positive technological applications such as satellite-based destruction monitoring, automated video analysis for war crimes, and AI chatbots for refugee psychological support.
The document does not provide detailed technical specifications for every military system mentioned, nor does it establish specific regulatory frameworks or enforcement mechanisms of its own, serving instead as an observational report and policy appeal.
- The Syrian conflict has served as a testing ground for AI-enabled military technologies, autonomous systems, and surveillance by various state and non-state actors.
- Unregulated military AI and surveillance tools have contributed significantly to human rights abuses, civilian targeting, and mass atrocities.
- Non-state actors like ISIS and Hezbollah have successfully acquired and utilized commercial and weaponized drones for strategic and propaganda purposes.
- AI also holds constructive potential in conflict zones, aiding in damage assessment via satellite imagery, human rights documentation, and mental health support for refugees.
- There is an urgent need for the international community to establish comprehensive, legally binding regulations governing the use of military and non-military AI.
· Introduction: The Syrian War, Mass Atrocities, Human Rights Abuses and International Response · State of Play - Russia - United States - China - Turkey - Iran - ISIS - Hezbollah · On the positive side · Conclusion
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
2/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
This created an environment of unaccountability and impunity for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Conclusion
screening score · 2026-10-23
Fairness
2/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
Since these products are later sold, civilian populations are targeted --ethnic minorities in particular, such as the Kurds and the Yazidis--accounting to violations to their right to life and the rule of proportionality
Conclusion
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Dignity
3/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
As a response to this critical situation and the need for adequate professional help, the Silicon Valley start-up X2AI, in collaboration with a non-governmental organisation called Field Innovation Team (FIT), has developed “an artificially intelligent chatbot called Karim that can have personalised text message conversations in Arabic to help people with their emotional problems”
On the positive side
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Oversight
3/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
“able to independently calculate and choose ways to attack enemy structures [...] and to analyze the battlespace situation, detect and determine the nature of the enemy’s goals, and select a way to eliminate or suppress them, without the need for involvement by the system’s human operator”
State of Play - Russia
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
0/5Protection of personal data and private life
N/A
screening score · 2026-10-23
Transparency
3/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
Dissemination of more information and better transparency regarding the deployment and misuse of AI technologies within the Syrian conflict are key to raising awareness and effectively addressing the challenges relating to artificial intelligence in th e context of mass atrocities.
Conclusion
screening score · 2026-10-23
Enforcement
0/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
N/A
screening score · 2026-10-23