Mazloum Abdi Affirms Efforts to Ensure the Protection of Returnees to Sari Kaniye, Warns Against Escalation

Welat TV – Erbil

SDF Commander-in-Chief Mazloum Abdi condemned the attacks targeting families returning to Sari Kaniye as part of the first return convoy, calling for restraint. In a post on the “X” platform on Monday, August 10, 2026, Abdi said, “We condemn the attack targeting displaced Kurdish families as they returned to Sari Kaniye, which took place in coordination with the Syrian government.”

He added: “We understand the angry reactions among the Kurdish public to this attack, and at the same time, we call on our people to exercise restraint, refrain from engaging in any irresponsible acts, and preserve our civil and security institutions.”

In this context, he added, "We affirm that efforts are underway in coordination with the relevant authorities to ensure the protection of returning displaced civilians and to hold accountable anyone proven to be involved in acts of aggression in a manner that guarantees the rights of all and preserves the security and stability of the region.”

The first convoy of displaced people from Sari Kaniye departed from Hasaka towards the city on Monday, after nearly seven years in displacement, as part of the implementation of the January 29 agreement between the Syrian government and the "SDF."

The convoy included 410 families, although it was expected to include more than 600 families. However, some families were not prepared, so they postponed their return until later convoys.

Following the arrival of the first convoy in the city, local sources reported that a number of returning families had been attacked, while videos circulated on social media showing people being attacked and having their property and vehicles damaged.

For its part, the Sari Kaniye Displaced Persons Committee said in a statement that it is monitoring developments in the city, holding the relevant authorities in Damascus—including the Presidential Team, security agencies, and the Sari Kaniye regional administration—responsible for maintaining security, protecting the returnees, and pursuing and arresting the attackers.