Turkish Military Bases remain major obstacle to return of IDPs of Serê Kaniy

Following Turkiye's occupation of the city of Serê Kaniyê in late 2019, after launching a military offensive alongside allied armed factions, Turkish forces established dozens of military bases throughout the city's countryside following the displacement of tens of thousands of residents.

Turkish forces converted numerous villages into military positions and barracks after forcibly displacing their inhabitants. This coincided with the destruction of civilian homes and property, fundamentally altering the character of these areas and preventing thousands of residents from returning for years.

The expansion of Turkish military installations was not limited to villages located along the M4 international highway. It also extended to areas near the town of Tel Tamr and the countryside of Zerghan in northern Al-Hasakah, while Turkish forces maintained a military presence within Serê Kaniyê itself.

The Turkish offensive displaced tens of thousands of civilians from both the city and its surrounding countryside. Throughout the years of occupation, the region has witnessed numerous violations affecting both residents and their property.

Following the signing of the January 29 agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the interim government, which includes a provision guaranteeing the return of displaced people to their villages and homes the issue of Turkish military bases has emerged as one of the most significant obstacles facing those seeking to return.

This remains a major source of concern for displaced residents, particularly because Turkish military bases are located inside several villages whose inhabitants are expected to return, including Bab al-Faraj, al-Dawoudiyah, al-Arisha, al-Manakh, and al-Ameriyah. Their continued presence has raised questions over whether these bases will be evacuated and whether the conditions necessary for the safe return of civilians can be established.

The Committee for the Displaced of Serê Kaniyê previously raised the issue of Turkish military bases and their future with the presidential delegation responsible for implementing the January 29 agreement. According to the committee, the delegation stated that the matter would be addressed at the presidential level.

Speaking to ANHA agency, Zahra Samou, an administrator with the Committee for the Displaced of Serê Kaniyê, said that some Turkish military bases in the countryside of Serê Kaniyê may eventually be evacuated. However, she noted that the withdrawal of Turkish forces from the city center remains considerably more complicated given the complexity of the issue.

Meanwhile, Jwan Issou, a legal expert and Director of the Committee's Office of Relations, stated that the issue of Turkish military bases has not yet been officially discussed at either the political or security level.

He added that there are undisclosed understandings and agreements concerning the presence of these military bases on Syrian territory, of which Serê Kaniyê forms a part.

"As the integration process in the region continues, the overall picture will become clearer," Issou said. "However, the continued presence of Turkish military bases in Syria indicates that the country has not yet entered a phase of full stability."

Issou stressed that these bases will remain a persistent source of anxiety for returning residents.

"The presence of Turkish military bases will continue to worry local people," he said. "Residents were displaced by Turkish forces and their allied armed factions over the past several years, and many fear arrest or retaliatory acts as long as Turkish control over the city persists."

He concluded by saying: "These are military bases that also serve intelligence functions. Their continued presence reflects the ongoing instability in the region. As all foreign military forces are expected to withdraw from the area, Türkiye should likewise withdraw its forces, thereby contributing to the restoration of security and stability and easing the fears of returning residents."

Despite ongoing discussions about arrangements for the return of displaced people, residents from the region say that harassment and intimidation of returning original inhabitants by Turkish forces and their allied factions continue.

For their part, displaced residents hope to return safely to Serê Kaniyê and its surrounding countryside free from the presence of any foreign or regional military forces. They seek to reclaim their homes and property, see villages cleared of military installations, and ensure conditions that will allow for a normal, secure, and sustainable return.

Authorities responsible for the repatriation process continue working to remove the obstacles preventing return, focusing primarily on clearing villages and major roads of landmines and unexploded remnants of war in preparation for reopening them and ensuring their safety for civilians.

ANHA