As part of the agreement reached on 29 January between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian transitional government, and signed the following day, representatives of the Asayish (Internal Security Forces) and the Damascus security authorities travelled to Afrin on Sunday. The aim of the talks was to concretely organize the return of displaced residents.
The delegation included Asayish Commander Mehmûd Xelîl Elî (also known as Siyamend Efrîn), Marwan al-Ali, the security chief for the Hesekê, as well as Aleppo Internal Security Forces Commanders Mihemed Ebdulxenî and Suraqa Emûrî. In Afrin, they met with the local administration to develop a mechanism for return.
According to sources close to the talks, it was agreed that, as a first step, a convoy would be organized on the basis of a previously prepared list of names. The list, drawn up by the Social Association of Afrin and the Council of the Displaced Persons from Afrin and Shehba, includes more than 400 families. Although no specific departure date for the first convoy has yet been announced, there is consensus that the return process should begin as soon as possible.
Another key issue discussed concerns property rights. Accordingly, individuals who were settled in the region during the Turkish-jihadist occupation since 2018 are expected to leave. Houses, lands and businesses are to be returned to their original owners.
Visits to Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafiyah and Raqqa
The security delegation also visited the predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah in Aleppo. There, prospects for residents to return to their neighborhoods were discussed. Further talks are expected to follow.
As part of the ongoing efforts, the delegation also met with the Governor of Raqqa, Abdulrahman Salameh. The discussions focused on the security situation, public services and the condition of the Kurdish population in the region. According to a journalist from ANHA news agency who was present, it was agreed to establish a joint committee to coordinate the safe return of Kurdish families to Raqqa.
Tens of thousands of displaced people from Afrin, Shehba and the neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah are currently living in camps and cities such as Qamishlo, Heseke, Dirbêsiyê, Amûdê, Tirbespiyê, Çilaxa, Girkê Legê and Dêrik. The recent visits and security talks are regarded as the first practical step toward implementing the January agreement, particularly with regard to the return of Kurdish displaced persons to their areas of origin.
Leave a Reply