The process for the return of displaced people to the Afrin (Efrîn) region is set to begin. According to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Autonomous Administration, the first convoy carrying more than 400 families will depart on Monday from the city of Heseke toward Afrin.
Hundreds of thousands of people had been displaced in recent years from Afrin as well as from the regions of Shehba, Aleppo, Serekaniye and Girê Spî. The background was several invasion campaigns carried out by Turkey and Islamist militias allied with it—first during the occupation of Afrin in 2018 and later during further attacks in the following years. Attacks after the fall of the Baath regime at the end of 2024, as well as the offensive by the Syrian transitional government against the Autonomous Administration areas at the beginning of this year, also led to new waves of displacement. In total, more than 450,000 people were forced to flee to other areas of the Autonomous Administration.
A key point of the integration and ceasefire agreement between the SDF and the transitional government in Damascus now foresees the safe return of the displaced population. In mid-February, the Afrin Social Council announced that more than 400 families could return to their original residential areas in an initial phase. In this context, a delegation of security officials traveled to Afrin two weeks ago to hold talks on the practical implementation of the return process.
Among those attending the meeting were the commander of the Internal Security Forces (Asayish) of the Cizîrê region, Mehmûd Xelîl Elî (also known as Siyamend Afrin), the security chief Marwan al-Ali appointed by the interim regime, and other representatives of Damascus’ security authorities. Representing Afrin, security official Suraka Amuri also took part in the talks. The discussions focused in particular on mechanisms that would enable a safe and organized return of the population.
First convoy departs from Heseke
According to Mehmûd Xelîl Elî, the return process has now been practically initiated. In a post on X on Saturday, he stated that the necessary procedures for the return of the population displaced from Afrin had officially begun. This development was the result of several on-site visits, talks with delegations from Damascus, and consultations with the local population. The commander described the start of the return process as “a fundamental step for security and stability in Syria.” At the same time, he emphasized that the return must take place under dignified and safe conditions. “Our efforts will continue until the last displaced person has returned to their home,” Elî said.
Route of the first convoy
According to the Asayish, the first convoy is expected to gather on Monday at 10:00 local time at the Panorama roundabout in Heseke. From there, the convoy carrying around 400 families will depart toward Afrin. A source told ANF that the families are expected to initially return to three locations in the region: Jindires, Mabeta and Shiye. In Afrin, many residents are preparing to welcome the convoy.
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