Azerbaijan repatriates 16 citizens from Syria in second evacuation operation
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The Azerbaijani government on Monday announced that it had repatriated 16 of its citizens from Syria, including seven women and nine children, during an operation carried out on July 18 and 19, marking the country’s second such mission.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC), citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the operation was conducted through a phased and coordinated effort involving several government agencies.
A government delegation traveled to Syria to verify the identities of the citizens and conduct initial medical and psychological assessments before their return.
The ministry said Azerbaijan’s embassies in Syria and Turkey, along with its Consulate General in Istanbul, facilitated the issuance of travel documents and arranged flights to transport the returnees back to Azerbaijan.
Authorities said the repatriated citizens will undergo social rehabilitation and reintegration programs, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting and evacuating Azerbaijani nationals affected by armed conflicts abroad.
The government did not disclose where the returnees had been living in Syria or the circumstances that led to their presence in the country.
The latest operation follows a previous repatriation mission in June, when Azerbaijan repatriated 23 citizens—including seven women and 16 children—from Syria on June 7, 9, and 11.