A first group of Syrian Kurds were headed for the northeastern border town of Ras al-Ain on Monday (August 10, 2026) following years of displacement, months after an integration deal between the Kurds and Damascus.
Political Context
The new authorities have been extending central government control across the country, including formerly Kurdish-held areas. Some 5.5 million people remain internally displaced in Syria following the more than 13-year civil war, according to the United Nations.
“This step is the result of efforts by all sides and ongoing coordination” between the Damascus and Kurdish authorities, he said, adding that “the second batch will be transferred in the coming days”. “I’ve been waiting for this moment… it’s like a dream for a person to return to their home,” said returnee Nora Khodor, 37. “We are very happy about returning,” said Rawda Mohammed, 39. The committee representing displaced people from Ras al-Ain said Monday’s (August 10) transfer was “the start of a path towards a full return”, emphasising the need to protect property, housing and land rights and provide basic services and infrastructure for returnees.
