Over 7,500 Syrian Refugees Return from Turkey

In the wake of the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, a significant wave of Syrian refugees is returning home, with Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reporting that over 7,600 refugees crossed back into Syria within just five days following the regime's collapse. The UN anticipates that around one million people may return to Syria in the first half of 2025, prompting increased border crossing capacities in Turkey to facilitate the movement. Despite this surge, many refugees express hesitation about returning due to the ongoing challenges in war-torn Syria, including lack of basic services. Additionally, Turkish officials and public sentiment are shifting towards encouraging the return of Syrian refugees, as seen by offers from opposition mayors to provide free one-way bus tickets. While many refugees feel gratitude towards Turkey for its hospitality, their future in Syria remains uncertain amid calls for humanitarian assistance for returning citizens. The UN and migration experts caution that many refugees may still choose to remain in Turkey despite the changing political landscape.