Afrin returnees: lack of security, ongoing violations raise residents’ concerns

Since the Turkish occupying state and its mercenaries took control of the city of Afrin in 2018, thousands of residents have been displaced to other areas, while the mercenaries seized their homes and properties. Following the January 29 agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the interim government, displaced Afrin residents returned to their areas and villages.

Residents said that those who remained in the city during that period were subjected to violations including torture, beatings, and threats. Many families also lost their sons during the military operations, while cases of arrests and disappearances of Afrin residents were recorded.

One resident, who preferred not to reveal his identity for security reasons, said that his family decided to return to their village after receiving assurances, but the journey was not safe. He added that some civilians were killed while attempting to return, and their bodies remained for days before their families were able to bury them with great difficulty.

He added that the family returned to the village about two months after the mercenaries took control, but found that homes and properties had been seized. He stressed that torture and beatings were carried out repeatedly and that locations had been designated for torturing detainees, whose screams could be heard in the villages.

He also pointed out that residents’ properties, including olive trees and their crops, were looted, and that many residents were unable to benefit from their agricultural lands or sources of livelihood. He stressed that most of those who remained in Afrin were subjected to some form of violation.

A mother from Afrin also stated that the mercenaries repeatedly raided her home and asked about her sons. She said she was forced to pay money to prevent the abduction of her husband. She added that several women had lost their lives in recent years, including a relative who, she said, died by suicide out of fear of being subjected to violations.

Residents affirmed that security concerns remain present even after the return of the displaced, noting the continuation of threats against civilians. They said that the sense of safety they hoped to regain in Afrin has not yet been restored, leaving many returnees living in a state of constant fear and anxiety.

ANHA