Destruction of homes, sale of lands... testimonies of IDPs from Serê Kaniyê reveal reality

The suffering of the displaced from the city of Serê Kaniyê continues amid increasing reports of the destruction of their homes and the seizure of their properties, alongside repeated demands for a safe return that guaranties their rights and protects them from violations, especially after the recent agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the interim government.

The agreement signed on January 29 between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the interim government stipulates, in one of its clauses, the guaranty of the safe return of the displaced to their homes and areas, and the assurance of the restoration of their properties.

The displaced Mohamed Sino, a resident of the Qaus al-Hasakah neighborhood in the city of Serê Kaniyê and currently residing in the Serê Kaniyê camp, says: "Our house in the city of Serê Kaniyê is destroyed, and we received photos showing the mercenaries demolishing several rooms of our house, in addition to stealing all its contents and furniture, up to the theft of electrical installations, doors, and windows."

"My house is destroyed and my land is seized..." And we want to return safely.
He added, "My house was occupied by someone we don't know, and we want to return to our homes without any settlers, as they also destroy our houses when they leave."

He emphasized, saying: "We want to return, as I have 300 dunams that the mercenaries are farming, and I also have plots in the city that we had previously bought according to documents we possess. However, the person from whom we bought the land is reselling it to the mercenaries." And I'm not alone; many displaced people are subjected to such extortion.

He affirmed, saying: "What we want is a safe return without anyone being harmed." At this stage, we cannot return, and in the past few days, some families returned individually to the city of Serê Kaniyê, but they were subjected to attacks and extortion. Therefore, our demand is safe return."

Complete destruction and sale of properties despite documentation, ongoing suffering, and absence of security.

For his part, the displaced Faisal Mohammed, residing in the Serê Kaniyê camp for displaced persons, said: "Over the past years, we had no idea what happened to our homes and properties. However, recently, with the return of some displaced persons, we received news that our homes and my brothers' homes have been destroyed, especially my house located behind the Roj gas station, which was completely demolished."

He added, "In the past few days, I was also informed that they are offering my agricultural land located in the village of Um al-Dibs for sale, despite the deeds I possess that confirm my purchase of that land, after they took control of it years ago and cultivated it for themselves, in addition to stealing my agricultural tools."

Faisal pointed out, saying: "We have been subjected to a lot of injustice, and these days we cannot return because of the tragedy we have experienced." What we want is to return safely, alongside the presence of the internal security forces "Asayish." And if we return, where will we live when our homes are destroyed? Therefore, our demand is to return with dignity and safety to our city.

The attacks launched by the Turkish occupation and its mercenaries on the cities of Serê Kaniyê and Tal Abyad/Kobani in late 2019 caused the displacement of more than 150,000 families due to the violations and crimes committed against the residents.

Under these circumstances, the displaced people of Serê Kaniyê still hope to return safely to their city, away from the dangers that threaten their lives, and with the removal of those who have seized their properties from the area, in accordance with the terms of the recent agreements.

ANHA