IDPs from Afrin, al-Shahba call for end to war

Since January 6, 2026, mercenaries of the Syrian interim government and the occupying Turkish state have launched violent attacks on the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud, al-Ashrafiyah, and Bani Zaid, in addition to the areas of Tabqa, Raqqa, and al-Shaddadi. This has led to the displacement of thousands of civilians to Jazira Canton and Kobani, while threats continue.

Within the context of this wave of displacement, the displaced from Afrin–al-Shahba—who have been forcibly driven out of their areas more than three or four times due to attacks, massacres, and forced displacement—were compelled to flee once again, speaking about their conditions and demands.

The displaced woman, Zakiya Murad, explained that they had been displaced five times due to attacks and killings committed against the Kurds, especially the displaced from Afrin and al-Shahba. She confirmed that they have lived under harsh conditions filled with suffering, fear, illness, and displacement.

She continued: “Is there no place for us, the Kurds, in this world? We want, like all human beings, to have a place where we can live in peace.”

Forced to Flee Again

For his part, the displaced man Khalil Mohammed said that the Kurds are continuously subjected to displacement; whenever their conditions improve even slightly, they are forced to flee again, leaving deep impacts on them. He added that during the last wave, due to attacks by armed factions, he was forced to leave the city of Raqqa, where he had been living in one of the schools, and head toward the canton. Upon their arrival in the city of Qamishlo, the Autonomous Administration mobilized all its schools and institutions to serve the displaced.

Khalil Mohammed expressed his demand, saying: “We no longer ask for anything; all we want is to live in peace. Even so, we feel at ease because we are among our people, and we will continue to endure this situation to the end until we reach freedom.”

Meanwhile, the displaced woman Bushra Habash explained that they are facing many difficulties in the current situation due to shortages of water and electricity, and that their basic needs for food and drink are limited to their children only. She added:

“All we wish for is that this war stops and that we can return to our homes.”

The child Shamsi Haido also expressed his feelings, saying: “Because of the mercenaries’ attacks, we fled until we reached Qamishlo. We need clothes and winter supplies to protect us from the bitter cold, and we need toys. All I wish for now is to return to our home.”

ANHA