Location: Sere Kaniye / Ras al-Ayn
Affected Area: Surrounding rural areas, including the Kurdish village of Abdo Salam al-Sharqi, located southeast of the city.
I. General Background
The Sere Kaniye / Ras al-Ayn region is located in northeastern Syria and includes a large number of Kurdish villages whose residents rely primarily on agriculture and livestock breeding. In recent years, the region has witnessed repeated military and security operations that have led to demographic changes and extensive damage to infrastructure.
II. Documented Violations
Field data and resident testimonies indicate the following:
Widespread Destruction of Homes: The majority of villages, including the village of Abdo Salam al-Sharqi, have been subjected to acts of vandalism resulting in partial or total destruction of houses.
Infrastructure Sabotage: This includes water, electricity, and roads, leading to a near-total paralysis of basic services.
Looting of Private Property: Local residents reported the theft of household contents and agricultural lands.
Forced Displacement: These conditions have led to the displacement of the majority of the population, with their return currently being difficult or impossible.
III. Humanitarian Situation
The region is unsafe in all aspects due to the presence of military factions and Turkish bases.
Most affected villages have become uninhabitable due to destruction and the absence of services.
Displaced persons suffer from difficult living conditions in areas of refuge or internal displacement.
There is an absence of any effective efforts for reconstruction or ensuring the safe return of the inhabitants.
IV. Legal Characterization
The current situation is unsafe in all respects.
To date, these violations constitute a breach of several international laws and standards, including:
Violation of International Humanitarian Law regarding the protection of civilians and property.
Destruction of property without military necessity, which is prohibited under the Geneva Conventions.
V. Recommendations
Launch an independent international investigation to document violations and hold those responsible accountable.
Ensure a safe and voluntary return for displaced persons to their areas of origin.
Initiate urgent programs for the reconstruction of affected villages.
Secure protection for the civilian population and prevent the recurrence of violations.
Human Rights and Documentation Office Committee of the Displaced People of Sere Kaniye / Ras al-Ayn March 26, 2026
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