📰 AANES reports surge in displacement amid instability under transitional government

RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – An official in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) stated on Thursday that the region has witnessed renewed waves of displacement over the past year, as Syrians continue fleeing insecurity and deteriorating conditions in areas controlled by the transitional administration in Damascus. Sheikhmous Ahmad, co-chair of the AANES Office for relocated persons and relocated Persons, informed North Press that northeastern Syria has received “emerging waves of displaced people who fled their areas after the transitional administration took control in Damascus. ” He stated families had sought refuge in AANES-held areas after fleeing attacks by armed factions in Aleppo eastern countryside, the Syrian coast, and the southern governorate of Suwayda. “A year after the formation of the transitional government, there has been no improvement in the relief circumstances,” Ahmad added. “The government has not provided the necessary backing to displaced people inside or outside Syria, except for a very minor number who returned to AANES areas with UNHCR backing. ” Ahmad indicated that despite the siege imposed by the transitional government and Turkey, as well as the months-long closure of crossings, the AANES “continues to provide what it can in terms of services to the displaced,” though relief aid remains far below needs. Additionally, he also referred to an agreement between the Syrian Democratic troops (SDF) and Damascus meant to facilitate the return of displaced people and displaced persons to their places of origin.

Moreover, however, he noted that returns remain “very low,” with multiple families attempting to resettle only to return again to AANES territory due to a lack of basic services and widespread destruction across Syria. Following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, the transitional government in Damascus has struggled to restore services, security, and basic governance across the country. However, significant parts of Syria remain affected by wartime damage, poor infrastructure, and weak state institutions, prompting persisted displacement nearly a year after the political transition.   Armed clashes in parts of Aleppo, the coast, and Suwayda have contributed to renewed civilian flight, while humanitarian funding for Syria has declined significantly since 2024.

Meanwhile, AANES-held territories in the northeast continue to host hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people despite economic pressure, border closures, and limited aid deliveries. Reporting by Zana al-Ali Editing by Jwan Shekaki