Serê Kaniyê displaced call for faster return

Displaced residents from the countryside of Serê Kaniyê are increasingly calling for their return to their villages and homes to be accelerated after years of displacement. They stress their determination to exercise their right to return, reclaim their lives and property, and bring an end to the suffering they have endured during years of displacement in camps.

The return of displaced residents faces a number of obstacles, most notably the destruction of homes and agricultural land, the spread of landmines and unexploded remnants of war, as well as the presence of Turkish military positions that restrict residents' access to and movement within their villages. Some roads leading to the villages have also been closed, making return more difficult and deepening the suffering of the displaced.

Obstacles to a Safe Return

Basil al-Ali, a displaced resident from al-Saeed village who lives in Washo Kani camp, told our agency: “Our village has become a Turkish base. Turkish forces bulldozed and destroyed our homes, and only three houses remain in the entire village.”

He added: “A number of villagers went to their homes, but Turkish soldiers told them to forget about the village and not return.”

“They expelled my father and my uncle from the village and told them not to return. They also destroyed our agricultural land by covering it with crushed stone,” he said.

He called on the Syrian transitional government to “remove Turkey from our villages and homes.”

Meanwhile, displaced resident Fayez al-Khaled, from al-Arisha village and currently living in Washo Kani camp, said: “Our village is destroyed, with some homes completely demolished and bulldozed. We are also unable to reach the village by car because there is a Turkish military position that prevents vehicles from moving through the area.”

He added: “What we need is for the Tal Tamr road to be reopened. At present, the village can only be reached by motorcycle, and the route to the village is also very long. Therefore, ensuring a safe return and reopening the road leading to our village are important.”

He stressed: “The Turkish military positions must be removed and Turkish forces withdrawn from the area to allow residents to return safely, especially before winter arrives. Otherwise, the suffering of the displaced will worsen.”

Landmines on the Roads

Khedr al-Issa, a displaced resident from Tal Laban village in the western countryside of Tal Tamr, said: “Our village is destroyed, and there are also landmines scattered around it. In recent days, two mine explosions injured several young members of our family. The suffering is therefore immense.”

He added: “What we want is to return to the village before winter so that we can rebuild our mud-brick homes. Once winter arrives, we will not be able to return to our villages. It is therefore essential to accelerate the return process and clear the village of landmines and remnants of war.”

“Enough is enough. We have now spent seven years displaced. Our demands are clear: accelerate the return process and provide us with assistance,” he said in conclusion.

The first convoy of displaced residents from Serê Kaniyê and its countryside returned to the city on August 10. However, some members of the convoy were assaulted by individuals who had seized the homes of the original residents.

Following the assault, the return process was suspended, but it remains on the agenda of talks between the Autonomous Administration and the Syrian transitional government.

ANHA