Syrian Government Forces Enter Afrin, Take Control from Turkey-Backed Factions
By Kardo Roj
AFRIN, Syria (North Press) – Syrian government security forces arrived in Afrin on Thursday, marking a significant shift in control over the Kurdish-majority city in northern Syria. The move comes as part of a broader effort to reassert Damascus’ authority over areas previously held by Turkey-backed factions.
Activists shared footage of a convoy of security personnel entering Afrin from Damascus, signaling the beginning of a handover process. A source within Syria’s transitional government confirmed to North Press that a delegation from Damascus is expected to visit the city later today to formalize the transfer of authority.
A Gradual Shift in Control
Afrin, a historically Kurdish region, fell under Turkish control in 2018 following a military operation that displaced thousands of residents. Since then, the city has been administered by Turkish-backed factions, often accused of human rights violations, including forced displacement and property seizures.
Efforts to restore central Syrian government control have faced resistance in the past. In January, the Turkish governor overseeing Afrin rejected an earlier attempt by a Damascus delegation to take over administration of the region, stating that the issue would be addressed at a later date. However, following the collapse of the Assad regime on December 8, the dynamics of northern Syria have shifted, paving the way for direct negotiations between Syria’s transitional leadership and Turkey.
Regional and International Implications
The transfer of Afrin has significant implications for Syria’s geopolitical landscape. While Damascus is working to consolidate control over former opposition-held areas, Turkey has sought to maintain influence in northern Syria, citing security concerns over Kurdish forces.
It remains unclear whether Turkey has formally agreed to the handover, but sources indicate that negotiations between Ankara and Damascus have been ongoing. The visit by Syrian officials to Afrin suggests a more coordinated approach to security arrangements, potentially easing tensions between the two sides.
Local sources in Afrin reported that preparations were underway to welcome the Syrian government delegation, with security measures being reinforced ahead of their arrival. Residents have expressed mixed reactions, with some hopeful for greater stability, while others fear renewed repression under Damascus’ rule.
What’s Next for Afrin?
With the handover of Afrin, attention will now turn to the broader status of Turkish-controlled areas in northern Syria, including Azaz and al-Bab. The Syrian transitional government has signaled its intention to reestablish authority over these regions through diplomatic negotiations rather than military confrontation.
The extent to which Turkey will cooperate with Damascus in future arrangements remains uncertain. However, recent meetings between transitional Syrian officials and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suggest a shift in Ankara’s Syria policy, potentially opening the door for further territorial realignments.
For now, the return of Afrin to Syrian government control marks a significant development in Syria’s ongoing transition, reshaping power dynamics in the north and influencing the future of Turkey-Syria relations.