Idlib: After years of enduring hardship in refugee camps, thousands of Syrian civilians have started to return to their homeland as peace and security take hold in Syria following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime.
According to Anadolu Agency, millions of Syrians had fled to neighboring countries to escape the destruction and humanitarian crisis under Assad's rule.
Mohammad Rahmon, who recently returned to the village of Kafar Sijnah, south of the Idlib countryside, expressed relief after six years abroad. "We lived in extremely harsh conditions in refugee camps. But now we thank God that our land was liberated," Rahmon said. Despite the widespread destruction in the village, he plans to set up a tent on the rubble of his former house, demonstrating his commitment to his homeland.
Al-Rezzaq Mohammed, another returning resident of Kafar Sijnah, recounted the difficulties faced in refugee camps since fleeing Syria in 2019. "We have suffered a lot amid harsh weather conditions and a lack of infrastructure," Mohammed stated. He emphasized the dignity of returning to their village, despite the devastation. "No matter how hard life is in the village, it is more dignified than the life of displacement," he added.
The village's homes were largely destroyed by strikes, bombardments, and other forms of damage, including looting. Nevertheless, Mohammed noted that the joy of returning home surpassed the sorrow of witnessing the destruction.
Bashar al-Assad, Syria's leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia in December, marking the end of the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963. Ahmad al-Sharaa, who led the anti-regime forces, was declared president for a transitional period in late January.