Seven years after being displaced, Kurdish families return to Serekaniye – analysis

Around 700 displaced Kurdish families are returning to Serekaniye in northeastern Syria, seven years after being forced to flee a Turkish invasion. This return is facilitated by new Syrian government policies and a reconciliation agreement between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian government, which began in March 2025 and gained traction after January clashes. The SDF is now dissolving, leading to expectations of a largely unified Syria. This marks a significant shift from 2019, when Turkey launched its "Peace Spring" operation, displacing thousands of Kurds, whom Ankara viewed as terrorists linked to the PKK. The Syrian Interim Government is providing $10,000 to each returning family for home renovations, and security guarantees have been issued. However, challenges remain, including protests over insufficient Kurdish language instruction in schools and reports of returning families being attacked.