A thousand Yazidi families returned to their lands after the Duhla township in Shengal was liberated from ISIS gangs. The returning families called on Yazidis in camps to return to Shengal.

Thousands of Yazidis were killed in ISIS attacks against Shengal on August 3, 2014.  Thousands more were abducted or forced to migrate. After Shengal was cleared of gangs, the Yazidis started to return. A thousand families have already returned after security was established in the Duhla township of Shengal, where over 4.000 people used to live before the attacks.

The families returning to their lands called on the Yazidis in camps to return to Shengal.

Pir Seyido said he returned to Duhla after Shengal was liberated and self-defense forces were set up: “There were many returns to Shengal in the first years. But now there is a dirty plan in place and Yazidis are not allowed to return. Our municipality finished new water projects for us. They provide water for all families who return. Tankers take water to families without running water at home. There is no problem with power or water in Shengal.”

Nayif Sengali, whose home was torn down during ISIS attacks, said they built a home with their own means: “After the attacks, nobody did anything for the reconstruction of Shengal. But still, we don’t have any other home. We built our home with our own efforts. We used to live in a tent. We have been back for 4 years. We are doing well here. There are difficulties, but Shengal is more beautiful than anywhere else. We want our people to return to Shengal.”