Thousands of Syrian refugees in Turkey they take the road of repatriation. After a full 24 years, the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria fell from the lightning advance of the Islamist insurgents.
Syrians who had sought refuge in Turkey during their country’s civil war began returning to Syria.
The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, after 24 years, ended the civil strife that had been ongoing since March 2011.
At Cilvegozu Border Station, in Turkey’s southeastern Hatay province, thousands of Syrians crowd on Monday (09.12.2024), waiting to complete the necessary procedures to cross the border.
To avoid overcrowding, gendarmerie forces set up a separate checkpoint about 5 kilometers from the border.
The night images from the convoy of the big shoot are impressive:
“Thank God, our way is open…”
Adem Mohamed Zin, a Syrian national, told Anadolu Agency that he was heading to Damascus, his hometown.
He expressed his joy at the liberation of his country after so many years: “Thank God, our road is open, Assad is gone and the war is over. I was in Istanbul for 10 years. God bless the Turks, they helped us a lot.”
Ali Hasiko, who has been waiting for 12 years to return to his homeland, Hama, also thanked Turkey: “Thank you Turkey for opening its doors to us.”
Ibrahim al-Muta, who was waiting with his family of six to go to Hama, said he had been in Turkey for almost 11 years. “Thank God, the war is over. Turkey is great, but our homeland is Syria,” he said.
After 61 years, the Baathist regime falls, marking a new chapter in Syria’s history. Syrians flock to Damascus for a fresh start, with roads jammed as the capital becomes a symbol of hope and change.#news #Syria #Traffic #jammed #capital #Damascus pic.twitter.com/OeACbllImC
— British Muslim TV (@BritishMuslimTV) December 9, 2024
“We want to see a new Syria”
“Turkey will work for the safe and voluntary return of the Syrian migrants it hosts and help rebuild Syria after the sudden overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad by rebels,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said.
ROAD TO DAMASCUS!
Syrians are flocking to Damascus tonight, but let’s not forget: many in the region still harbor hostility toward America. As we reflect on this moment, remember the road to Damascus can lead to transformation—but also caution. “Suddenly, a light from heaven… pic.twitter.com/325E6en7cl— Agent Ivy Spectre (@AgentIvySpectre) December 9, 2024
“In the coming period, we want a Syria where different ethnic and religious groups live with an integrated understanding of governance and in peace. We want to see a new Syria that has ties with its neighbors, that adds peace and stability to its region,” he added.
In Istanbul, the Syrian community counts 500,000 people.