Reasons for delay in return of 4th group of Afrin’s IDPs 

Sources told ANHA agency that the return of the fourth group of Afrin’s IDPs has been delayed for several reasons, most notably the refusal of families of faction members affiliated with Turkey and integrated into the Ministry of Defense of the Syrian Interim Government to vacate the homes of returning original residents.

Most of these members belong to a faction known as “Ahrar al-Sharqiya,” which is considered the primary party accused in the 2019 killing of Hevrin Khalaf, Secretary-General of the Future Syria Party.

According to various sources, these families and faction members refuse to hand over the properties of original residents—including homes, shops, and agricultural lands—unless they are paid sums that can reach $5,000 or more.

Cases of theft have also been documented, including doors, windows, and water pumps, in addition to deliberate acts of vandalism such as filling in wells, cutting down trees, and causing partial destruction to houses after vacating them.

Sources familiar with the coordination process between the Syrian Interim Government and the Autonomous Administration stated that the government has pledged at the highest levels to resolve this issue as soon as possible.

They added that the recent visit by Deir ez-Zor Governor Ghassan al-Sayed Ahmad to Afrin two days ago, during which he met with Aleppo Deputy Governor Ali Hanoura and Afrin area official Khayro al-Dawood, as well as with those families, came within this context, especially since most of these families originate from Deir ez-Zor.

If the committee formed by the Interim Government succeeds in removing the families of faction members from the properties of original residents during this week, the fourth group of Afrin’s displaced residents is expected to depart next week. Sources also indicated that preparations are underway for the departure of around 1,500 families from Afrin residents’ properties toward Deir ez-Zor Governorate.

It is worth noting that approximately 1,400 families of Afrin’s displaced residents have returned to their city in three batches, according to the January 29 agreement. Dozens of families have yet to fully regain their properties, while others are staying with relatives in Afrin awaiting a resolution to this issue and the evacuation of the families occupying their homes. Additional groups are also preparing to return in the coming period.

A-H

ANHA