Thousands Displaced as Attacks on Kobani Close Hundreds of Schools

Hawar News

IDPs in Kobani.

Recent attacks on the city of Kobani and its surrounding areas have forced thousands of families to flee and led to the closure of hundreds of schools, affecting 572 institutions and depriving some 72,000 students of their education.

Thousands of residents from Afrin, Shahba, Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh, Raqqa, Tabqa, and Deir ez-Zor have sought refuge in the Jazeera region and Kobani following attacks by factions of the Syrian Interim Government on 6 January against Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh, and on 17 January in other parts of northern and eastern Syria.

Although the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have withdrawn to the Jazeera region and Kobani, the assaults on the city have continued. Over 200,000 people from surrounding villages have fled to Kobani, taking shelter in schools, mosques, kindergartens, hospitals, and shops. Some homes in the city now house up to six families each.

Aziza Ismail, a member of the Kobani school administration, said: “Thousands of families left their homes and sought refuge in schools, mosques, kindergartens, and other locations in the city centre. Displaced people from Raqqa, Tabqa, Ain Issa, and Tel al-Saman camp in Ras al-Ayn all came to Kobani, with many settling in schools.”

She added: “The second semester was due to start on 25 January, following the first semester’s conclusion on 15 January. However, due to the attacks on Kobani and the surrounding countryside, residents were displaced and schools could not operate. Across the Euphrates region, 572 schools remain closed, leaving 72,000 students without education.”

Ismail emphasised the urgent need to lift the siege imposed on Kobani since 20 January. She said: “The blockade must end, and agreements should be reached between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Interim Government to ensure security and stability. This will allow displaced residents to return home and schools to reopen.”



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