Ayn al-Arab (Kobani) is a border town in northern Syria with a predominantly Kurdish population before the war. It functioned as a local agricultural and market center. The 2014–2015 siege and battles with ISIS destroyed large parts of the town, causing mass displacement and widespread damage to housing and services.

Currently, Kobani sees partial population returns and limited reconstruction activity; however, explosive remnants of war and infrastructure gaps (water, electricity, sanitation) remain major obstacles. Reconstruction has proceeded slowly and unevenly; security and de-mining operations are ongoing and influence how quickly neighborhoods can be rehabilitated.