Ahmad Hassan: Around 300,000 People Have Returned to Afrin

ARK News.. Ahmad Hassan, head of the Afrin local council of the Kurdish National Council in Syria, stated that the Afrin region is witnessing a large-scale return of displaced people, noting that waves of forced displacement had affected the area since the start of the Syrian conflict, particularly after 2018.

In remarks to ARK News, Hassan said that following the fall of the regime of Bashar al-Assad, many families began returning to Afrin, describing it as “the land of their forefathers.” He highlighted the role of the Kurdish National Council in encouraging returns as a sustainable solution to prevent demographic change in the area.

He added that, on the ground, committees were formed and transport provided to facilitate the return of residents from areas such as al-Shahba and rural Aleppo, alongside efforts by civil society organizations and community figures.

Hassan revealed that the number of returnees to Afrin since the regime’s fall has reached approximately 300,000 people—around 60,000 families—coming from al-Hasaka, Qamishlo, Tabqa, Raqqa, al-Shahba, Kobani, and other areas.

Property Recovery Challenges
He acknowledged ongoing difficulties in reclaiming property, noting that many returnees have not yet been able to recover their homes and businesses due to their seizure by remnants of armed factions, who in some cases demand large sums of money amid the absence of an effective deterrent force.
Hassan urged residents to resort to the courts to reclaim their rights and properties, adding that progress in this regard is being made gradually.

Remaining Displacement

He pointed out that around 8,000 families remain in Hasaka and Qamishlo and about 2,000 families in Kobani, expressing hope that they will return soon, followed by the return of displaced Arab residents to their areas as well.

Regarding Arab IDPs in Afrin, Hassan said a limited number—estimated at several thousand families—remain in the region, particularly in Afrin city, Jinderes, and some subdistrict centers. He noted that some are expected to return after the end of the school year and the resolution of administrative arrangements involving remaining factions.

Humanitarian Role

Hassan also praised the role of Masoud Barzani, highlighting the efforts of the Barzani Charity Foundation, which was deployed to Afrin just days after the devastating earthquake that struck Syria and Turkey. He described its support as a source of pride that significantly boosted morale among residents.

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