Iraq’s suspension of repatriation increases pressure on NE Syria
HASAKAH, Syria (North Press) – A senior official from the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) warned on Sunday that the Iraqi government’s decision to halt the repatriation of its citizens from Hawl and Roj camps places a heavy burden on local authorities and has significant negative consequences.
Sheikhmous Ahmad, co-chair of the Office for Displaced Persons and Refugees in AANES, told North Press that suspending repatriation exacerbates the situation due to the large number of Iraqi refugees and displaced Syrians in these camps.
“The Autonomous Administration has previously announced its intention to empty the camps within its areas of control,” Ahmad said. “However, we will not forcibly return anyone.”
On Feb. 12, the Iraqi Ministry of Migration and Displacement announced the suspension of repatriation operations from Hawl and Roj camps in northeastern Syria, citing budget constraints following the cessation of U.S. aid, according to Iraqi media reports.
Since the beginning of this year, four groups of Iraqi refugees have left the camps through coordination between the AANES and the Iraqi government.
The decision comes in the wake of an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump shortly after beginning his second term.
The order mandates an immediate halt to new commitments and disbursements for U.S. foreign development aid programs.