Displaced people, their return among key provisions of SDF–Damascus agreement

The agreement signed on 29 January 2026 between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian Interim Government, and announced on 30 January, continues to occupy a central place on both regional and international agendas. Within the framework of implementing its provisions, discussions, meetings, and deliberations are ongoing regarding military, security, administrative, economic, and educational files, in addition to the displaced persons file.

So far, focus and tangible steps have been taken regarding the redeployment of military forces and internal security forces, while meetings continue on the administrative side.

Within the agreement, the clauses related to displaced persons and education are considered among the most significant and complex points, as no extensive deliberations or concrete steps have yet taken place concerning them. However, the issue of displaced persons has entered the agenda in recent days.

According to information obtained by ANHA agency from relevant institutions affiliated with the Autonomous Administration, the issue will be discussed more extensively in the coming days, and preparations are currently underway for the return of the displaced.

450,000 Displaced Await Return

If no obstacles emerge and a joint plan is put in place, more than 450,000 displaced persons from Afrin, al-Shahba, Aleppo, Gire Spi/Tal Abyad, and Serekaniye will be able to return to their homes. According to the agreement, the return must take place safely, and an internal security system must be established in their cities (Afrin, al-Shahba, Gire Spi/Tal Abyad, and Serekaniye).

Sheikhmous Ahmed, Co-Chair of the Office of Social Affairs and Displaced Persons in the Autonomous Administration, provided our agency, Hawar News Agency, with information regarding the numbers of these displaced persons.

Displaced of Afrin and al-Shahba

When the Turkish state and its affiliated mercenary groups attacked Afrin on 20 January 2018 and occupied the city on 18 March, more than 300,000 people were displaced from Afrin. Around 200,000 settled in towns and villages such as Tal Rifaat, Ihras, al-Ahdaath, Fafin, and 40 villages in al-Shahba region. Additionally, 8,094 people were housed in al-Shahba camps: Sardam Camp (904 families, 3,774 individuals), Berxwedan Camp (702 families, 2,772 individuals), Afrin Camp (122 families, 498 individuals), al-Awda Camp (145 families, 584 individuals), and al-Shahba Camp (104 families, 466 individuals).

The remaining 91,906 individuals settled in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods of Aleppo and in al-Shahba countryside.

When Turkish-backed factions attacked al-Shahba on 1 December 2024, approximately 200,000 displaced people from al-Shahba moved toward Tabqa, Raqqa, Kobani, and Jazira, while some settled again in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh in Aleppo.

They were distributed across more than 200 shelters in Tabqa, Raqqa, Kobani, and Jazira cities, including schools, mosques, and sports facilities, in addition to many families who opened their homes to them.

Displaced of Sheikh Maqsoud, Raqqa, and Tabqa

Another painful wave of displacement occurred from the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods in Aleppo. When factions of the Syrian Interim Government attacked Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafiyeh, and Bani Zaid between 6–12 January 2026, 150,000 displaced people were forced to move toward Tabqa, Raqqa, Kobani, and Jazira. They were sheltered in 150 collective centers, including schools, mosques, and sports facilities.

While they were settling in these centers, attacks did not cease. On 18 January 2026, they were forced to flee once again after Interim Government factions affiliated with Turkey attacked Deir Hafer and Tabqa on 17 January, followed by Raqqa on 18 January.

According to Kurdish Red Crescent data, 175,000 people crossed into Jazira region, where they were sheltered in schools, mosques, Autonomous Administration institutions, and kindergartens across Qamishlo, Hasakah, Darbasiyah, Amuda, Dêrik, Rmeilan, Girkê Legê, Tirbespiyê, Cil Agha, and other cities, while others headed to Kobani.

Displaced of Serekaniye and Girê Spi/Tal Abyad

A major wave of displacement also took place in Serekaniye and Girê Spi/Tal Abyad. On 9 October 2019, the Turkish army and its affiliated factions attacked the two cities, and following assaults that continued until 16 October, both cities were occupied, leading to the displacement of around 150,000 people.

The Autonomous Administration sheltered displaced families in Serekaniye and Washokani camps in Hasakah countryside, as well as in Tal al-Saman camp between Raqqa and Ain Issa, in addition to Ain Issa camp. During the 18 January 2026 attacks, displaced people in Tal al-Saman and Ain Issa camps were forced to flee again; some moved to villages surrounding Kobani and Ain Issa, while others crossed into Kobani city.

According to available information, meetings are currently being held and preparations are ongoing regarding the return of displaced persons. Sources indicated that returns will be implemented to areas whose security has been secured, within the framework of the established plans.

A-H 

ANHA