Ilham Ahmed: Armed Groups in Afrin Hinder Return of Displaced Residents

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Kurdish politician Ilham Ahmed on Thursday told the Hawar News Agency that the continued presence of armed groups in Afrin is preventing displaced residents from fully returning to their homes.

Ahmed emphasized that the return of displaced people is a key component of the agreement and integration process between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian government.

She said Afrin and its surrounding villages continue to face various violations, including the seizure of homes and agricultural land, confiscation of olive harvests, the imposition of illegal taxes, and pressure on local residents.

Ahmed stressed that the seizure of homes and properties deprives displaced residents of their right to return. She added that some people who have returned to Afrin have been forced to rent homes because they cannot reclaim their own properties.

Under the agreement between Damascus and the SDF, some displaced residents of Afrin have been able to return to their original homes, while others continue to face restrictions.

On Monday, some displaced residents of Girê Spî (Tell Abyad) attempted to return to their hometown at the request of the local administration. However, they were attacked by Arab tribal groups settled in the area while traveling back, and their vehicles were damaged.

Meanwhile, the return process for displaced residents of Serê Kaniyê (Ras al-Ayn) began on August 10, seven years after they were forcibly displaced. The process was overseen by the Serê Kaniyê Displaced Persons Committee in coordination with several humanitarian and security organizations. The Kurdish Red Crescent and internal security forces provided protection during the process.