7,703 displaced persons from Lebanon enter NE Syria
RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) aid on Tuesday that 7,703 individuals arrived in its areas in Northeast Syria fleeing the war in Lebanon.
The displaced persons entered the AANES-run areas through the al-Tayha Crossing near Manbij and the Tabqah Crossing in northern Syria.
Jwan Mella Ibrahim, member of a team formed by the AANES to oversee the process of the displaced, told North Press that within the last 24 hours, 2,690 individuals crossed through Tabqah, while 1,785 arrived via al-Tayha crossings.
In addition to Syrian returnees, Lebanese nationals have also made the journey, with six individuals recorded at Tabqah and three at al-Tayha.
Mella Ibrahim explained that Lebanese nationals undergo identity verification before being transported to shelter centers managed by the team.
Especially designated buses provide transportation to these centers, where the returnees receive essential assistance.
Mella Ibrahim highlighted the challenges faced by those returning from Lebanon, particularly the difficulties posed by Syrian government checkpoints and the high cost of travel to Northeast Syria.
To address these issues, an AANES representative, in coordination with the Newroz Organization, a Kurdish cultural group based in Lebanon, is working to secure buses for transporting the refugees back to Syria.
Despite being prepared to welcome all returnees, Mella Ibrahim stressed that the AANES is operating with limited resources due to the ongoing blockade on the region.
He urged non-governmental organizations active in northern Syria to step in and support the returning refugees and displaced persons.
On Sep 30, the AANES has formed a dedicated team to accommodate the returnees from Lebanon.
The AANES has also opened al-Adnaniya camp to provide temporary shelter to the displaced individuals.