Mahmoud Khalil: New group of IDPs to return to Serê Kaniyê 

The second group of displaced people from Serê Kaniyê living in Serê Kaniyê Camp set out today, Tuesday, heading to 55 villages in the countryside of Serê Kaniyê, as well as the areas of Zirkan and Tell Tamer, after nearly seven years of forced displacement.

Mahmoud Khalil Ali (Siyamand Afrin), deputy commander of the Internal Security Forces in Hasakah province, told ANHA agency that great importance is being attached to the return of large numbers of displaced people from Serê Kaniyê, adding that the number of returnees is expected to increase over the coming week.

Ali made clear that a new group of displaced people will return from Serê Kaniyê Camp to their villages and the city of Serê Kaniyê. He stressed that efforts are continuing to increase the number of returnees in the coming period.

Landmines hinder residents’ return

Ali noted that the widespread presence of landmines was one of the main reasons that delayed the return of displaced people, adding that security conditions had not allowed residents of the affected areas to return to their homes and villages.

He added that the Transitional Government, in coordination with military forces, the Internal Security Forces and relevant organizations, is working to accelerate landmine clearance operations in the city and its surrounding areas, allowing residents to return safely.

Efforts to vacate civilians’ homes

Regarding those occupying civilians’ homes in the city of Serê Kaniyê, Ali explained that efforts had been made to return those who came from Hasakah province, particularly from the Aziziyah and Ghwayran neighborhoods.

He added that a number of people occupying the homes of displaced people from Deir ez-Zor remain in the city, and that efforts are continuing to facilitate their return, particularly as their original homes have been destroyed.

The deputy commander of the Internal Security Forces in Hasakah province stressed that completing the return of displaced people from the villages and city of Serê Kaniyê would help bring to an end the process of vacating civilians’ homes currently occupied by displaced Syrians.

ANHA