First return convoy of Sere Kaniye IDPs prepares to leave Syria’s Hasakah
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Preparations are underway on Monday for the departure of the first convoy carrying more than 400 Kurdish families displaced from Sere Kaniye (Ras al-Ain) and its surrounding villages from Washokani camp in Hasakah Governorate, northeastern Syria, as part of efforts to facilitate their return after nearly seven years of displacement.
The return is being coordinated under the supervision of a presidential delegation tasked with facilitating the return of displaced residents to their areas of origin.
The families are expected to travel from the Hasakah area toward Sere Kaniye and nearby villages. The move follows months of discussions and preparations aimed at organizing the return of residents displaced from the area since 2019.
Sere Kaniye residents were displaced after Turkey and affiliated Syrian opposition factions launched a military operation in October 2019, taking control of the city and surrounding areas. Thousands of residents fled toward other parts of northeastern Syria, with many settling in camps in Hasakah Governorate.
Washokani camp, west of Hasakah, has since housed large numbers of displaced residents from Sere Kaniye and its countryside. Previous reports have documented difficult living conditions in the camp and continued calls by displaced residents for a safe and dignified return.
The return process has gained momentum in recent months following an agreement reached on Jan. 29, 2026, between Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)Mazloum Abdi and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, with authorities beginning preparations for the return of displaced Kurds from areas including Sere Kaniye and Afrin.
Earlier this month, arrangements for an initial convoy were postponed to allow families additional time to prepare their belongings and complete logistical arrangements. The first convoy had initially been scheduled to depart from a gathering point near Washokani.
Thousands of displaced Sere Kaniye residents have continued to call for security guarantees, restoration of basic services and the protection of their property rights as prerequisites for a sustainable return.
The return of the first group marks a significant development for Kurds who have remained displaced since the 2019 offensive, although the broader process is expected to involve thousands of families still awaiting the opportunity to return.