As life gradually begins to return to normal in Tal Afar, one of Iraq’s largest Turkmen cities, the Iraqi families in Syria are continuing to return to their country from the Kilis Öncüpınar border in Turkey. 350 people consisting mainly of women and children are returning to their homeland from Turkey. IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation that met the group, distributed emergency aid packets and water to families, and stationary materials and school bags to children.
More than 3 thousand people from Tal Afar have already returned, and more than 5 thousand living in Syria are preparing to return to their homeland.
Speaking about the aid given to the Tal Afar Turkmen people, Syrian Kilis Coordinator Serkan Öktem said, “As IHH, we are trying to reach people who are suffering persecution wherever this may be in the world. And today we are delivering your aid to Iraqi families. Hopefully, in the future all these families will be able to return their homelands, to their homes. We are sharing their joy. I would like to thank the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Iraqi Government that have made great efforts for the return of these families. May Allah reward all those who contribute to our aid efforts.”
Iraqi Ahmad Barusi, who also thanked Turkey for the distribution of aid, said “I am so happy to be returning to my country after so many years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank IHH. They helped us so much in Syria, and they are with us here again today. May Allah protect Turkey.”
On completing the documentation process at the Öncüpınar Migration Department, the convoy consisting of 9 buses departed for Iraq.
