Turkey-baced SNA Prevents Syrian Settlers from Returning to Their Homes – SNA Leader
SERE KANIYE, Syria (North Press) – A commander within the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) revealed on Tuesday that Turkey is preventing settlers in Sere Kaniye (Ras al-Ain) from returning to their original homes in Syria following the fall of the previous Syrian regime.
The commander, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that many of these settlers, who occupy homes belonging to displaced locals, have begun leaving the city. “They are moving to distant villages such as Mabrouka, Aziziyah, and Amiriya, seeking ways to escape back to their original regions in Homs and Hama,” he added.
Turkey Blocks Return Amid Growing Discontent
According to the source, Turkey has imposed strict measures at border crossings, barring settlers from returning to their original areas. “Many of them see no reason to remain in Sere Kaniye, especially after the fall of the regime,” the commander explained.
In parallel, Turkey reportedly increased the salaries of SNA members to 1,000 Turkish lira, up from the previous 500–700 lira range, in an effort to incentivize them to stay. However, this strategy appears to have limited success, as numerous fighters have abandoned their weapons and expressed a desire to leave the region and return to their homes.
Covert Operations and Settler Exodus
Earlier reports disclosed that infiltration operations by Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) against Turkish-backed factions in the Sere Kaniye countryside have enabled some armed settlers and their families to evacuate to areas controlled by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). These settlers aim to eventually return to their original homes in central Syria.
Sources also indicate that Turkish authorities are actively discouraging such returns, raising concerns about the long-term impact of forced displacement and demographic changes in the region.
The Bigger Picture
The revelations highlight the precarious situation in Sere Kaniye, which came under Turkish control following the Turkish invadion in 2019. The area has since witnessed significant demographic shifts, with settlers from other parts of Syria occupying homes left vacant by forcibly displaced Kurds and other local residents.
The ongoing restrictions on returning settlers reflect a broader Turkish strategy to maintain influence in northern Syria through demographic manipulation and the empowerment of loyalist factions. However, growing discontent among settlers and fighters could undermine these efforts, creating instability within Turkish-controlled territories.
The displaced original residents of Sere Kaniye continue to call for international intervention to address these violations and ensure their right to return home. The lack of a political resolution and Turkey’s ongoing actions leave the region in a state of uncertainty as 2025 approaches.
The situation in Sere Kaniye underscores the complexities of displacement, demographic shifts, and geopolitical maneuvers in northern Syria. As calls for justice grow louder, the international community’s response—or lack thereof—will shape the region’s future.