Last Group of Displaced Afrin Residents Return Home Under January 29 Agreement

ANHA

The last group of Afrin IDPs return home.

The final group of displaced residents from the city of Afrin returned to their homes on Thursday evening, 16 July 2026, following a journey that began at dawn from the cities of Qamishli, Hasakah and Derik. The return forms part of the implementation of the 29 January agreement signed between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian Interim Government in Damascus.

The convoy departed in the presence of Mahmoud Khalil, Deputy Commander of the Internal Security Forces in Hasakah Governorate, and Mustafa Abdi, a member of the presidential team overseeing the implementation of the agreement.

Speaking at a press conference, Mustafa Abdi said the group marked the final contingent of displaced Afrin residents returning under the agreement. He added that efforts would now focus on completing the necessary preparations for the return of displaced residents from Ras al-Ayn (Sere Kaniye) once demining operations have been completed.

Abdi also stated that work is underway to bring the Alouk water station back into operation and resume water supplies. He noted that a delegation of judges from the Autonomous Administration had held meetings with the Ministry of Justice as part of the implementation of the 29 January agreement, during which measures for institutional integration were discussed. He added that preparations are also in progress to reopen government offices responsible for civil affairs and passport services in the near future.

The return of the latest group of displaced Afrin residents follows earlier returns from the Kobani and Jazira regions and forms part of ongoing efforts to implement the provisions of the 29 January agreement and facilitate the safe return of displaced people to their home areas.


PUKMEDIA / ANHA