Protests Erupt in Ras al-Ayn: Displaced Syrians Reject Return Without International Safety Guarantees

Tensions flared in the northeastern Syrian city of Ras al-Ayn on Friday, February 27, 2026, as hundreds of displaced residents took to the streets to protest against plans for their forced or premature return. The protesters expressed a firm refusal to go back to their areas of origin without clear, legally binding international security guarantees and the restoration of essential services.

Demands for Protection

Demonstrators held vigils and marches, emphasizing that the current security environment remains too volatile for a safe and dignified return. They called for "clear arrangements" that ensure the protection of civilians from arbitrary arrest, harassment, or further displacement. Many highlighted the lack of basic infrastructure, including water, electricity, and healthcare, as major hurdles to reintegration.

A Wider Crisis of Displacement

The protests come amid ongoing national discussions regarding "re-deployment" and the return of millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) across Syria. Following the integration agreements between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) earlier this year, there has been a push to close collective centers. However, residents of Ras al-Ayn and surrounding areas fear that returning without pre-arranged safety protocols could expose them to security risks or secondary displacement.

Concerns Over Property and Rights

Human rights organizations have echoed these concerns, noting that thousands of families from Ras al-Ayn (Serê Kaniyê) and Tell Abyad remain displaced while their properties are occupied or damaged. Protesters urged the Syrian Transitional Government and the international community to prioritize a "rights-based return" that includes property restitution and a halt to political bargaining over civilian safety.

As the political transition in Syria continues, the situation in Ras al-Ayn serves as a critical test for the government's ability to protect its citizens and uphold its commitments to international humanitarian law.