Eight years after the occupation by Turkey and allied Islamist militias, the first displaced Kurds are beginning to return to their home region of Afrin. For many, it is a deeply emotional moment: some kiss the soil of their villages, others embrace the remaining olive trees, or sit silently in the courtyards of their homes. Yet as meaningful as this return is, it is overshadowed by the conditions on the ground.
Fourfold displacement since 2018
With the 2018 invasion by Turkey and its proxy forces of the so-called Syrian National Army (SNA), more than 300,000 people were displaced from Afrin. Many fled to the neighboring desert region of Shehba, where a new and precarious reality emerged over the years. This situation lasted until the end of 2024.
A new wave of attacks then began against Shehba, this time by the jihadist alliance Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as well as forces of the Syrian transitional government formed after the fall of the Assad regime. Around 200,000 people were once again displaced and scattered across various areas of North and East Syria, including Tabqa, Raqqa, Kobane, the Jazira region, and Aleppo. Many families found shelter in temporary accommodations or with host families.
In early 2026, further attacks took place as part of the latest offensive against the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, particularly targeting Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods, where many displaced people from Afrin were staying. Once again, tens of thousands were forced to flee. As a result, many families from Afrin have been displaced at least four times within eight years.
Return following agreement with Damascus
The return movement only began after the agreement reached on January 29 between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the transitional government in Damascus. The agreement states that displaced people may return to their places of origin and that local administrative structures are to be rebuilt. In early March, a first convoy of around 400 families—approximately 3,000 people—set out to return to Afrin. They returned to districts including Mabeta, Shiye, and Jindires. According to current reports, around 10,000 more families are preparing to return.
No return corridor – a slow process
A central problem remains the organization of return. The Autonomous Administration had proposed establishing a corridor from Qamishlo to Afrin to enable a swift return. However, the transitional government in Damascus rejected this proposal. Instead, the return is now proceeding gradually: families can only return once their homes are actually vacant. This significantly delays the process.
Militia families remain in Kurdish homes
One of the biggest obstacles is the situation of housing. After the occupation, many families from other parts of Syria—especially from Homs, Hama, Damascus, and Deir ez-Zor—were settled in the homes of displaced Kurds. In many cases, these are relatives of Islamist militias operating under Turkish control. Although the agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Damascus stipulates that these homes must be vacated, in practice many of these groups refuse to leave. Reports from various villages indicate that returnees are being pressured or prevented from returning.
Turkish military bases hinder return
Another major issue is the continued military presence of Turkey. In several villages, including Sheikhûrzê, Dêwrîş, as well as Basilê and Kîmarê, Turkish military bases remain in place. Islamist militias stationed there are in some cases blocking returns or completely refusing to vacate homes. Observations on the ground suggest that these groups do not primarily follow instructions from Damascus but remain under direct influence from Ankara.
Demand for a local security structure
Against this backdrop, the issue of security has become central. Many residents are calling for the establishment of a brigade composed exclusively of people from Afrin. This proposal is currently being discussed within the Autonomous Administration, but a final decision has yet to be made.
Newroz attacks highlight ongoing tensions
The tense situation was also evident during this year’s Newroz celebrations on March 21. Members of jihadist militias and their supporters carried out attacks against Kurdish families celebrating the Kurdish New Year. In some cases, openly racist and anti-Kurdish slogans were voiced, and Kurdish symbols were targeted. Local representatives described these attacks as deliberate provocations. The co-chair of the Social Council of Afrin, Îbrahîm Heftaro,stated that the aim was to create tensions and to send the message that Afrin does not belong to Rojava.
Livelihoods destroyed
In addition to security concerns, the economic situation poses a major challenge. Before the 2018 war, the population of Afrin largely depended on olive cultivation and the olive oil trade. During the occupation, however, large parts of the olive groves were destroyed or cut down. Estimates suggest that around one million trees were felled, forests were burned, and agricultural land was repurposed for military use. As a result, many returnees find their livelihoods devastated.
Serêkaniyê: return still impossible
While initial return movements are taking place in Afrin, the situation in Serêkaniyê (Ras al-Ain) remains significantly more difficult. The city was occupied in October 2019 by Turkey and allied militias, displacing around 75,000 people. Homes were also expropriated and handed over to Islamist families. Large parts of the infrastructure have been destroyed, with approximately 45 villages largely devastated. Representatives of the displaced emphasize that return is currently not possible.
Demands of the displaced
Ciwan Îso, lawyer and head of the Serêkaniyê Displaced Persons Committee, stated: “There is no safe environment for return. Security must be ensured so that people do not face dangers. Kurdish neighborhoods have been devastated. Homes are not being vacated, and those vacated are looted. This is an open message to the people: ‘We lived in your homes for years, and as we leave, we destroy them so you cannot return.’ However, despite all the difficulties, the people remain determined to return.”
The return process of Serêkaniyê residents is planned to be coordinated by the Hesekê governorate. It is stated that steps should be taken for this region as well after Afrin, but due to militias not vacating homes and the ongoing occupation, a clear timeline for return has not yet been established.
Ciwan Îso expressed the demands of the people of Serêkaniyê as follows: “Our main demands are to be administratively connected to the Hesekê governorate, the removal of militias from the region, the opening of roads, the end of the occupation, appointments by the governorate, and that those appointed be Kurdish. Security must be ensured by a local Asayish force composed of local residents, those who have committed crimes must be prosecuted, and financial support must be provided to returnees. We do not recognize any of the current official institutions; they are not legitimate. Therefore, it is essential to establish a new council formed by the local population. Serêkaniyê is a Kurdish city, it has a history, and this reality cannot be denied.”
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