Returnees to Afrin: dream come true and beginning of a new life

The first groups of displaced Afrin residents, who had been in the Jazera region, began returning to their city after years of forced displacement, carrying with them a mixture of painful memories and hopes for a new chapter in the city from which they were forcibly expelled. The journey began yesterday, March 9th, and the convoy arrived in Afrin at dawn today.

In this context, Mustafa Sido, an elderly man who returned home with the first convoy, said that the return of the residents after years of suffering represents the beginning of a new phase in which they seek to rebuild their lives and strengthen stability in their city.

He pointed out that a large number of homes were partially or completely destroyed, while others require extensive repairs before they can be made habitable.

Sido added that many families lack the financial means to rebuild their homes, forcing some to rely on the help of relatives or live in difficult conditions until the situation improves.

In a poignant scene reflecting the emotions of the residents, young Dilara from the Jindires district cradled her kitten as she prepared to return with her family to Afrin, from which they were displaced in 2018 due to the Turkish occupation and its mercenaries.

Dilara said that returning after years of displacement and suffering was a long-awaited moment, emphasizing, "We are not afraid to return because the Kurds have never been afraid of anyone throughout history."

The opinions of the returnees reflect a sense of hope and anticipation among them, as they hope to gradually rebuild their lives and revive their city and villages after years of absence, far from targeting or new waves of displacement.

Sh-S

ANHA