Türkiye Begins Withdrawal from Military Base Near Afrin, Residents Told They Can Return Home

ANHA

Turkish base in Afrin.

Türkiye has begun withdrawing its forces from areas surrounding the Syrian city of Afrin, with Kurdish residents being informed they will soon be able to return to their homes and properties.

Human rights activist Ibrahim Shekho said in press statements the Turkish military is preparing for a full withdrawal from its military base in the Raju district and has notified local villagers that they will be permitted to return once the pull-out is complete.

Sources in the village of Jabal, located in the Rajo sub-district of Afrin's countryside, said the Turkish army has already begun preliminary measures to evacuate the military base ahead of a complete withdrawal.

The sources added that residents have been informed they may return to their homes and reclaim their properties after the withdrawal, marking a significant development following years of military control and restricted access to the village. The move could signal the end of the Turkish military presence in the area.

According to the same sources, villagers have been told they can begin returning to their homes from Tuesday, 21 July.

The withdrawal marks the first time Turkish forces have vacated a village in the Afrin region since seizing control of the city on 18 March 2018. Since then, residents of the village have been prevented from returning to their homes, making the planned return a significant milestone after years of displacement.



PUKMEDIA