"people of Afrin await a sign of a safe return with international guarantees"

In her interview with ANHA's agency on the seventh anniversary of the occupation of Afrin, Mushira Mala Hassan, the co-chair of the Afrin and Shahba Canton Council, pointed out the continued suffering of the people of Afrin since the city was occupied in March 2018.

Mushira recalled their experiences, saying, "After 58 days of valiant resistance, the people of Afrin were displaced to Shahba region, where they faced great difficulties and were subjected to daily shelling in the camps where they resided."

She added that al-Assad regime also contributed to the suffering of the displaced for seven years, before they were displaced again from Shahba due to the occupation.

Safe Return Efforts

Regarding their current situation, Mushira Mulla Hassan explained that diplomatic efforts are underway to ensure the return of the people of Afrin and al-Shahba cantons to their homes, saying, "The Security Council resolutions and the guarantor states call for the return of all displaced Syrians, including the people of Afrin, Serekaniye, and Tel Abyad. The time has come to implement these resolutions."

She added, "Afrin was a safe and stable area before the occupation, but after March 2018, the situation changed radically. With the presence of mercenaries like al-Hamzat and al-Amshat, there is no longer any security in Afrin."

Peace Call

Mushira concluded her remarks by welcoming the peace call issued by Leader Abdullah Ocalan, calling for peace in the Zaytoun region (Afrin). She said, "The people of Afrin are awaiting a sign of safe return to their homes. International agreements must be implemented to ensure their return with dignity and safety." The people of Afrin continue to demand their right to return to their homes, amid ongoing crimes committed by Turkish occupation mercenaries in the region.

T/S

ANHA