Documentation massive destruction in Tel Tamr, Zerghan villages

On October 9, 2019, Turkish forces and allied factions launched an offensive on the cities of Serekaniye and Tal Abyad in the Jazira region, taking control of both cities and their surrounding countryside. During the same campaign, several villages in the Tel Tamr and Zerghan areas were also seized, effectively turning them into frontlines between the Syrian Democratic Forces on one side and Turkish forces and their allies on the other. Shelling of villages in both areas using artillery and airstrikes continued without interruption through 2025.

As a result, many villages were completely depopulated. Turkish forces established military bases in some of them, while landmines were planted across various areas, and homes were looted by affiliated factions. Thousands of residents were displaced, and many remain unable to return due to widespread destruction and the ongoing threat of unexploded ordnance.

According to information obtained from the Tel Tamr People’s Council, the villages of Umm Mushayfa, Al-Manakh, Al-Faisaliya, Al-Rayhaniya, Qasimiya Samu’ila, Qasimiya Haj Hassan, Al-Rashidiya, Al-Kanabihir, Al-Darbo, Al-Sibatiya, Al-Huweija, Abd al-Salam East and West, Kharbat al-Dibs, Al-Aziziya, Dawudiya, Al-Salhiya, Al-Wahla, Al-Jamiliya, Al-Hasso, and Kharbat Ghadeer have been completely emptied of residents, with many suffering heavy destruction and mine contamination.

Other villages, including Knihir, Al-Hajjaj, Al-Mahmoudiya, Kharbat Qaraj, Sibatiya, Arisha Kabira, Arisha al-Khabur, Arisha West, and Arisha East still have some remaining residents but have also endured significant damage due to ongoing shelling after becoming frontline zones.

Meanwhile, data from the Zerghan People’s Council indicates that the area includes 82 villages in total. Of these, 55 remain under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces, while 27 have been occupied. Nine villages in SDF held areas have been completely depopulated and destroyed due to attacks, while 10 villages in occupied areas were also emptied by Turkish forces and their allies. Military bases have been established in several of these villages.

The councils noted that these figures are based on currently available information and that they still lack comprehensive data on the full scale of destruction, depopulation, and landmine placement.

With the issue of return high on the agenda, both councils formed the two committees last week to carry out detailed field assessments. According to sources, the primary goal is to identify which villages are safe and which remain hazardous, in preparation for any future organized return of displaced residents to their homes.

ANHA