Int. pressure needed to ensure return of Afrin IDPs – AANES official

AANES officials visit displaced Kurdish families in the city of Qamishli, northeastern Syria, on Feb. 9, 2026. – North Press
AANES officials visit displaced Kurdish families in the city of Qamishli, northeastern Syria, on Feb. 9, 2026. – North Press

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Ilham Ahmad, Co-Chair of the Foreign Relations Department of the Autonomous Administration, said on Monday that efforts are underway to facilitate the return of displaced residents of Afrin, Sheikh Maqsoud, and other areas to their homes, stressing that this requires determination, pressure, and international monitoring.

Speaking during a visit to shelters housing displaced people from Afrin in the city of Qamishli, Ahmad said there is a pressing need for the Syrian transitional government to “take responsibility for this issue and closely follow up on the return of the displaced to their cities as soon as possible, so they can resume their lives.” 

She added that any stability in Syria is directly linked to the return of displaced people to their home areas.

Ahmad also noted that there are groups from Deir ez-Zor who are unwilling to leave Afrin, stating, “They must depart. The people of Afrin should manage and protect their own areas.”

Additionally, Ahmad emphasized that the issue falls within their responsibilities and is being addressed in consultation with the Syrian transitional government.

“We also tell our people that the return will take place as soon as possible,” she noted.

By Nalin Ali