Security concerns block Serekaniye displaced from returning home

The attacks launched by Turkish forces and their mercenaries on Serekaniye and Grî Spî in late 2019 displaced more than 150,000 families toward Rojava due to violations and crimes against civilians. During this period, Turkish forces settled mercenary families from various parts of Syria in the homes and properties of forcibly displaced residents.

Demographic Change and Turkish Control

Over the past years, Serekaniye and its countryside have witnessed significant demographic shifts. The number of original residents dropped sharply, while other groups, including Chechens and Yazidis, almost disappeared. Only around 50 Kurds and 5 Christians remain.

According to the Tazer Human Rights Association, Turkish forces and mercenaries emptied 52 villages and seized 8,300 private properties and 100,000 hectares of farmland. More than 30 military bases were established in the region, and several schools and civilian homes were converted into military headquarters. The city was administratively linked to Turkey’s Urfa province, with Turkish administrative staff managing local affairs—a move reflecting deep changes in the city’s demographic and administrative structure.

Harsh Conditions for Displaced Residents Hinder Return

Thousands of displaced residents continue to live in difficult conditions in Jazira, mainly in three camps: Washo Kani, Serekaniye in Hasaka, and Newroz in Derik, in addition to families staying in schools converted into shelters, with others living with relatives or in rented homes in Qamishlo and Hasaka.

Despite talks about agreements ensuring safe returns, the continued Turkish military presence, mercenary control, and security-focused administration make the reality uncertain.

On March 25, the Committee of Serekaniye Displaced confirmed that the security, military, and administrative situation remains unsafe, making any individual or unorganized return highly risky and insufficient for a genuinely safe, voluntary, and dignified return. The committee stressed that security guarantees, the restoration of rights, ending demographic changes, and implementing the January 29 agreement are prerequisites for any real return.

Widespread Destruction and Intimidation of Original Residents

Recently, limited returns of some Kurdish and Arab residents were recorded via the international road through the village of Alia, as main roads from Tal Tamr and Zirkan remain closed. Some returns were for visits, others for inspection before permanent relocation.

Returning residents reported extensive destruction and looting by mercenary families occupying their homes. One returnee cited armed factions, particularly from Deir ez-Zor and other areas, and the ongoing Turkish army presence as major sources of fear.

Other displaced residents, speaking anonymously, said that occupants threaten to destroy their homes unless paid money to vacate, reflecting ongoing extortion and intimidation. Many villages, especially those hosting Turkish troops and mercenaries, suffered near-total destruction, leaving only walls intact, as in Dawudiya Mala Salman village, heavily damaged during military base construction.

Under these circumstances, displaced residents still hope for safe returns once their properties are restored and the threats removed, as stipulated in recent agreements. The January 29 agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Interim Government ensures safe return and property restitution for displaced residents.

ANHA