Sources: second batch return of displaced people from Afrin will be discussed this week

Sources from the Afrin and Shahba Displaced Persons Council revealed that the issue of the return of the second batch of displaced people to their homes will be discussed this week, noting that the difficult conditions of the displaced people residing in schools and mosques and the need to vacate educational facilities make priority for the families residing in them, stressing that the residents have a clear desire to return.

29 March, 2026 10:30

QAMISHLO

The displaced residents of Afrin, Shahba, Serêkaniyê, and Tell Abyad, who were forced from their homes by the Turkish state and its affiliated armed groups in 2018 and 2019, are still waiting to return. The return of these displaced people is a key provision of the January 29 agreement signed between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian Interim Government.

Under this agreement, 400 families from Afrin, who had been living in cities in the Jazera region, returned to their homes on March 9, 2026. It was also announced that another 200 families would return to Afrin on March 12. However, the return of this second group has been postponed, and neither the Autonomous Administration nor the Interim Government has issued any statement explaining the reason for the delay.

The second group of those wishing to return home is ready and waiting to do so. According to information obtained by ANHA correspondent from the Afrin and Shahba Displaced Persons Council, the issue of the return of the second batch will be put on the agenda for discussion during the next three days.

According to reports, the council has prepared more than 500 families for return. Sources indicated that the council intends to send residents from all districts and the city center of Afrin in this second phase.

They added, "Given the difficult situation of displaced people residing in schools and mosques, and the necessity of vacating these educational facilities, priority is being given to families currently residing in schools and mosques."

In a related development, sources in Afrin revealed to ANHA agency that the families of militants previously resettled in Afrin are refusing to leave residents' homes and are demanding money from the owners in exchange for vacating them.

The sources explained that the militants are looting homes while residents are leaving, stealing doors, windows, electrical wiring, and everything else inside. They emphasized that the so-called "Afrin City Council," which was formed during the Turkish occupation of the city, is merely a facade and cannot make any decisions without the approval of Turkey and the armed groups.

It is worth noting that more than 450,000 displaced people from Afrin, Shahba, Serêkaniyê and Tal Abyad are still waiting to return to their homes.

Sh-S

ANHA