Displacement in Northeastern Syria

Miriam fled with her four children from Ras Al Ain to Hasakah where she is living in a school as temporary shelter. Each school houses at least 20 families—about 150 to 200 people. Miriam only had the equivalent of $15 USD on her when she and her family escaped Ras Al Ain. Miriam and her family worry about the lack of water and hygiene as well as medicine for the children in case they get sick while in the school. In the school there is about three toilets and no place to wash or clean themselves.

Syria 2019 © Jake Simkin

Thousands of people fled the fighting in Ain Issa when Turkish and FSA troops clashed against Syrian Democratic Forces. Most people fled to the neighboring city of Hasakah—the furthest town away from the conflict. Most people fled with nothing but the clothes on their backs and a blanket wrapped with a few personal belongs.

Syria 2019 © Jake Simkin

Eight women live together in one room in Hasakah. They share stories of the conflicts, and memories of their loved ones as many of their children and husbands were killed during conflict. Zeinab (front) from Manbij, in Aleppo governorate, describes their lives under the rule of IS. Zeinab resettled in Ain Al Arab after the collapse of IS in her hometown, but was forced to flee again due to Turkish military operations. Most of the women have no documentation—they fled by foot until they were able to reach Hasakah.

Syria 2019 © Jake Simkin