Afrin’s displaced hope to return soon After SDF-Damascus deal

Displaced residents from the city of Afrin have expressed hope regarding the provision ensuring the safe return of displaced persons, which was included in the agreement reached between the Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, and Ahmad Al-Shar’a. They view this clause as a step towards their long-awaited return after years of displacement and hardship.

 One of the key provisions of the agreement, signed by both Mazloum Abdi and Ahmad Al-Shar’a, guarantees the return of all displaced Syrians to their towns and villages, along with measures to ensure their protection. This provision has rekindled hope among displaced Afrin residents, who see it as a potential turning point in their prolonged displacement.

 ANHA Agency conducted interviews with several displaced individuals from Afrin, who expressed their joy and anticipation for an imminent return to their homes.

 Arifa Ma’mo stated, "We want to return to our villages and homes. For over seven years, we have been away from our city, suffering in exile." She called for immediate steps to facilitate the return process, saying, "We want the provisions of this agreement to be implemented swiftly, ensuring our safe return. We seek the restoration of our stolen rights, an end to bloodshed, and the reconstruction of our homeland. We do not seek further conflict; we only wish to defend our existence and preserve our identity."

 Meanwhile, Mustafa Muhammad Omar described the agreement as "a step toward strengthening peace, ending bloodshed, and stopping identity-based violence, while also offering displaced people hope for returning to their homes." He affirmed, "The provisions outlined in this agreement will foster stability and ensure the establishment of a safe and secure region. We have endured years of suffering due to the crisis and displacement—this must come to an end."

 Hamid Nasser spoke of the hardship of displacement, stating, "From the moment we were forced out of our region, we have not known peace. We have faced numerous hardships, and nothing compares to the feeling of being on one's own land."

 Commenting on the agreement, he added, "This agreement has given us hope that our return is near. It is the most promising step we have seen since the fall of the Ba’ath regime. Freedom is meaningless if we remain exiled from our villages and towns. While many others have returned to their homes, the people of Afrin continue to endure displacement and even a second wave of forced migration. We do not know what has become of our homes or how Turkish-backed factions have desecrated our martyrs' cemetery. But we are certain of one thing: we will return, rebuild, and restore what has been destroyed. This is our promise to our homeland."

a.k

ANHA