12-year-old sniper talks about his work - 'I didn't feel anything'

Given the long and brutal nature of the civil war in Syria, it is no surprise that children are also being recruited into service, allegedly by all sides. Although this is in violation of laws intended to protect children, the laws are clearly not enforced in times of war.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - In a chilling story originally published by a Lebanese news agency and documented by CNS News, a 12-year-old boy talks about his work as a sniper for the al-Nursa front. The child, according to the report, joined the al-Qaeda-linked brigade after his father was killed by Syrian government forces.

The boy, as quoted by CNS, said "I get up in the morning and try to shoot some soldiers. Sometimes I manage to shoot one or two, and sometimes I don't. There's nothing to it, I feel fine. I killed my first soldier on this front. When I killed him, I didn't feel anything. He was the first, but then came a second and a third. . . I've gotten used to being a sniper."

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The report explains the boy is a volunteer, and not pressed into service. Many children reportedly join the rebel forces who provide education and support after the death of a father.

Using children in war is considered a war crime and a violation of their human rights, but in times of war, laws are silent. It is also difficult to punish the offending parties when everyone is involved and the children themselves are signing up.

Groups like the al-Nursa front are thought to be actively recruiting boys to fight in their ranks. According to the CNS report, one man was said to praise child soldiers, pointing out that they do not question orders, only obey.

Although child recruits are common, it is also common for children to be forced into service. Children fill combat roles as well as support roles. International law also forbids this use of children in war.

The entire world is igniting and with so many parents already dead, the children are next.

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