Thousands of Syrians return to Idlib after Turkey- Russia deal

More than 50,000 displaced Syrians have returned to Idlib province since Turkey and Russia signed an agreement to create a 15-20 kilometre demilitarised zone in the area.

Over the past few years, tens of thousands of Syrians have been forced to leave their homes in the northwestern province as a result of Syrian regime President Bashar Al-Assad’s attacks, heading towards the border areas with Turkey.

Some of the returnees had not seen their homes for years, many have already begun the process of reconstructing their houses.

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Returnee, Abdul Karim Hamsho, who returned to the town of Al-Hbeit in Idlib’s southern countryside said: “The agreement has paved the way for their return.” He is helping his neighbours rebuild their homes.

Hamsho expressed hope for the return of security and stability.

“Our home has been destroyed by the Assad regime bombing, but we are back in the village, we have removed the rubble, and the neighbours are helping us to return to normal life,” returnee Abu Mohammed said. “This is our land and we will stay here forever.”