Second convoy of Afrin returnees leaves Qamishli under January accord

Return convoy

A second group of displaced people from Afrin departed al-Qamishli on April 4, heading back to their home areas under supervision of the presidential team charged with implementing the January agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF. The convoy carried roughly 200 families — mainly from Rajo and Afrin city — using 80 private cars, 48 vehicles loaded with belongings and 14 buses. Syrian Civil Defense teams and internal security forces in Hasakah accompanied the movement, which followed the M4 highway and involved coordination between Hasakah governorate and security leadership in Hasakah and Aleppo to ensure an orderly, protected transfer.

Context and challenges

This movement follows a prior return on March 9 that saw about 400 families moved back to parts of Afrin such as Sheikh Hadid, Jindires and Mabata, and forms part of broader efforts under the January accord to facilitate the organised return of displaced Afrin residents. Authorities say further convoys will continue in the coming days, but they acknowledge persistent obstacles — including damaged services, infrastructure shortfalls and basic needs for returnees — that the supervising bodies must address to secure lasting stability for families upon arrival, as reported by Enab Baladi