Preparations underway for return of IDPs from Afrin

During the attacks carried out by the Turkish occupation and its mercenaries in 2018 and 2019, as well as the attacks against the Ba'ath regime on December 27, 2024, and the attacks that took place on January 6 carried out by mercenaries of the Turkish occupation and factions of the Syrian Interim Government, a total of 450,000 people were displaced from Afrin, al-Shahba, Aleppo, Sere Kaniye/ Ras al-Ain, and Gire Spi/Tal Abyad to the regions of Rojava.

Since 2018, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria AANES and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have been making efforts to ensure the safe return of the displaced.

An agreement was reached between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian Interim Government, which included a clause on the return of displaced persons and refugees. The most recent agreement was signed on January 29, 2026, between the SDF and the Syrian Interim Government and was announced on January 30. The return of displaced persons and refugees was considered a key point in the agreement.

In Jazira Canton, 7,426 families from Afrin have settled in schools, mosques, and institutional centers.

On February 16, the Afrin Social Association, the Afrin and al-Shahba Displaced Persons Council, and representatives of civil society in Europe announced that the displaced people of Afrin would soon begin returning to their areas.

As a first step, approximately 400 to 500 families will return to Jindires, Mobata, and Shiye in Afrin.

According to the Afrin and al-Shahba Displaced Persons Council, preparations are ongoing and continuing for the return of the displaced, and meetings are being held between the United Nations and the council to discuss security issues and the requirements for return.

ANHA