Displaced People from Shahba demand safe return

The return of displaced people to their homes is one of the key provisions of the 29 January 2026 agreement signed between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the interim government in Damascus.

So far, most of the displaced residents of Afrin have returned to their homes, while preparations are continuing for the return of those displaced from Serêkaniyê.

Shahba is also among the regions from which Kurdish residents were displaced. Thousands of its inhabitants were forced to leave during 2013, 2018, and 2024, relocating to the Jazira and Kobani.

According to available figures, 1,350 displaced families from Shahba are currently living in Jazira and Kobani, including 700 families in Qamishlo, 300 in Hasakah, and 350 distributed across Amuda, Derik, and Kobani.

Of the 700 families living in Qamishlo, 210 families are currently sheltering in schools.

According to sources from the Shahba Civil Council, Turkey has deployed most of its affiliated factions in Shahba, particularly the al-Amshat, al-Hamzat, and Sultan Murad groups.

Sources from Shahba said these groups are creating insecurity in the area by arresting young people and assaulting local residents, leading to a complete loss of public trust. For this reason, the displaced residents are demanding to return to their homes accompanied by the force that previously protected them, the Kurdish Front.

Although the interim government does not obstruct the return of the Kurdish Front, the same sources say that Turkey continues to place obstacles in the way of its return.

ANHA