IDPS sheltering in Hasaka schools wary of moving to camps

HASAKA, Syria – People displaced from Sari Kani (Ras al-Ain) to schools across Hasaka are preparing to move once again as schools set to reopen for the new academic year.

Hundreds of thousands of civilians were displaced during Turkey’s Operation Peace Spring Offensive in October 2019, which aimed to clear a swathe of northern Syria of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

More than 12,000 people displaced from Sari Kani live in 68 schools across Hasaka, and are worried about moving into camps as schools reopen.

“Water is scarce, there is no electricity. Making a living is difficult. There are no roads. The tents are hot… it doesn’t meet our needs at all,” said displaced farmer Hida Seido. 

A camp for the displaced has been set up 6km from the centre of Hasaka, and can house 2,600 tents. 

So far, 700 tents have been set up. 

“The camp is built like a city neighbourhood. It has a health station and we are about to prepare two others. Three schools will be opened up. The self-administration will provide food for the IDPs,” said camp co-manager Salih Elhimedi.

Despite a lack of services, Sari Kani IDPs say they cannot go home. 

"The Arabs have gone back to Sari Kani, and live their lives. But the Kurds are still here. Our property has been looted."

Sari Kani has been under the control of Turkish-backed Syrian proxies since October 2019.

Translation and video editing by Sarkawt Mohammed