Afrin displaced residents to return their home

The Afrin Social Association, the Afrin and Shahba Displaced Persons Council, and the Civil Society Representation in Europe issued a joint statement in front of the Afrin and Shahba Displaced Persons Council building in Qamishlo, regarding the safe return of Afrin displaced residents.

The statement was delivered by Ibrahim Heftar; the member of the Afrin Social Association's administration, who emphasized that since the beginning of the displacement, they have been on high alert and continuously working to ensure the safe return of the displaced.

Heftar explained that following the signing of the agreement on January 29 between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian Interim Government, they began preparations according to the clause concerning the return of displaced persons, and announced on Monday (February 16, 2026) that they will begin sending Afrin displaced residents back.

Heftar noted that prior to commencing this process, meetings were held with the Afrin and Shahba Displaced Persons Council, the United Nations Representation, and the Syrian Interim Government. He added, "We want to send thousands of our people back to Afrin, but due to the weather conditions and to avoid hardship which the people may face, we will implement the return process in stages. We will achieve a safe return through joint cooperation between the Damascus government and the United Nations, and we hope that this process will be completed successfully."

Ibrahim Heftar explained that approximately 400-500 families will be sent as the first batch in the return process, and although the exact date has not yet been determined, it will take place very soon.

For his part, Heiman Qardaghi, speaking on behalf of the Civil Society Representation in Europe; the entity participating in the safe return cooperation, indicated that they began preparations two weeks ago, and provided the following information, "150 families will return to the Janders district, 150 families to the Mobata district, and 100 families to the Shia district."

ANHA