SDF Commander Condemns Assault on Returning Kurdish Families in Serê Kaniyê
“Accountability will also be pursued against anyone proven to have been involved in these assaults,” he said, adding that the process would seek to safeguard the rights of all sides and preserve security and stability in the region.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Mazloum Abdi, commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), on Monday condemned an assault against displaced Kurdish families returning to Serê Kaniyê, saying the return process had been coordinated with the Syrian government.
In a post on his personal X account, Abdi said the SDF condemned the assault and acknowledged the anger it had sparked among Kurds.
“We understand the angry reactions of the Kurdish street to this assault,” Abdi said, while calling on people to remain calm, avoid “irresponsible behavior or actions,” and protect civil and security institutions.
Abdi also said efforts were continuing with relevant parties to protect returning civilians and ensure accountability.
“Accountability will also be pursued against anyone proven to have been involved in these assaults,” he said, adding that the process would seek to safeguard the rights of all sides and preserve security and stability in the region.
The comments came after members of the first organized convoy of displaced Kurdish families were assaulted after arriving in Serê Kaniyê on Monday.
The Serê Kaniyê Displaced Persons Committee condemned the incidents and held authorities in Damascus, including the Syrian presidency, as well as the city’s security forces and local administration, responsible for the attacks.
The committee said the incidents violated provisions of the January 29 agreement concerning the return of displaced residents and called for the immediate restoration of security, protection of returnees, and a prompt investigation to identify and arrest those responsible.
The first convoy, carrying around 650 Kurdish families, departed from Hasakah on Monday, marking the first major organized return of residents displaced from Serê Kaniyê since fighting forced many of them from their homes in 2019.
The return process is being coordinated by the Serê Kaniyê Displaced Persons Committee in cooperation with humanitarian and security organizations, including the Kurdish Red Crescent and local Internal Security Forces.
The return of the families is seen as an early test of whether a broader and sustained repatriation of displaced residents can take place. Unresolved disputes over homes and land remain among the main challenges facing the process.