Return of displaced Syrian Kurds to hometown suspended after violence

On Monday, the return of Syrian Kurds who were displaced from their hometown of Ras al-Ain to their hometown was halted following an attack on a group of returnees. This followed a January agreement with the Syrian government to merge Kurdish forces and civil institutions into the state, which included provisions for the return of displaced Kurds.

Around 2,500 people were initially heading home but were attacked by armed groups. Several attackers were arrested, but the return trips were temporarily suspended out of caution. A second batch of Kurds was expected to head to the town in the coming days, according to Jawan Isso, a representative from a committee representing displaced people from Ras al-Ain.

The attacks sparked protests in other Kurdish-majority parts of Syria, including the cities of Qamishli and Kobane. The leader of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, Mazloum Abdi, condemned the assault on the displaced families and called for self-restraint.

Ahmad al-Hilali, the deputy governor of Hasakeh, condemned both the attacks on returnees and on state institutions in other areas. He vowed there would be no leniency towards those who threaten civil peace.

Prior to the violence, dozens of trucks loaded with furniture and other belongings awaited departure from near Hasakeh, with families eager to return home. Nora Khodor, a returnee, expressed her happiness about finally returning to her home. Human rights groups say residents' homes and belongings were seized or looted after an offensive by Turkey and allied Syrian fighters in 2019.