50 IDPs return to Afrin despite ongoing challenges

Historically home to 700 Kurdish families, Kurzîle village witnessed the forced displacement of its indigenous Kurdish residents during the occupation of Afrin.

Afrin city (Photo: Kurdistan 24)
Afrin city (Photo: Kurdistan 24)

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – A reliable source told Kurdistan24 on Tuesday that over 50 Kurdish displaced families have returned to Kurzelê village in the Shirawa area of Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava), marking a significant development in the ongoing efforts for the return of Kurdish IDPs. This follows years of displacement caused by the incursion of Turkish-backed armed groups in 2018, which led to a massive demographic shift in the region.

Historically home to 700 Kurdish families, Kurzîle village witnessed the forced displacement of its indigenous Kurdish residents during the occupation of Afrin. In the years since, the area has experienced a population shift, with displaced families from other regions being resettled by force. Today, only 15 Arab families remain in the village, while the majority of returning residents are of Kurdish origin.

Despite this progress, the village is still under the control of the Sultan Suleiman Shah Faction (aka al-Amashat) a local armed group that has been accused of extorting and terrorizing returning families. These challenges highlight the ongoing security issues that continue to plague the region. The Kurdish residents are also struggling with a lack of sufficient humanitarian aid and the daunting task of rebuilding their homes and lives amid such adversity.

The situation in Kurzîle reflects the broader struggles faced by Kurdish communities in the region. They continue to fight for their rights and attempt to rebuild their homes despite many obstacles. Achieving stability and ensuring the safety of returning families will require significant efforts at both the local and international levels.

As the situation develops, there is hope that further steps can be taken to address the needs of returning families and secure a peaceful future for the Kurdish population in the region.