Syrians in Turkey create congestion at Cilvegözü Border Gate: Returns have begun, but not everyone is allowed!

Jihadist groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took control of the capital, Damascus, yesterday (December 8) following the attacks they launched against the Assad administration in Syria on November 27.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whose 24-year rule has ended, left the country and took refuge in Russia.

Syrians who had taken refuge in Turkey during the civil war in their country have now mobilized to return to Syria following the collapse of the Assad administration.

Syrians who lined up at the border gate in the Reyhanlı district in the early hours of the morning are waiting for customs procedures.

Syrians wishing to go to their country have created congestion at the Cilvegözü Border Gate in Hatay.

According to reports by Sözcü TV, it was observed that most of them did not have their belongings with them. Stating that they had taken a small amount of Turkish Lira with them, the Syrians said, "We left most of our belongings in Turkey; we will now build a new life for ourselves."

Gendarmerie teams have established a separate checkpoint approximately 5 kilometers from the border to prevent congestion at the gate. Following checks there, Syrians deemed eligible to cross are directed to the Cilvegözü Border Gate.

Adem Muhammed Zin, one of the Syrians, said they had set out to go to his hometown of Damascus.

Stating that they welcomed the liberation of his country after many years with joy, Zin said, "Thank God our path is open, Assad is gone, the war is over. I was in Istanbul for 10 years. May God be pleased with the Turks, they helped us a lot."

"I THANK TURKEY FOR OPENING ITS DOORS TO US"

Ali Hasiko stated that they had been waiting for 12 years to return to their hometown of Hama.

Conveying his thanks to Turkey, Hasiko said, "I thank Turkey for opening its doors to us."

İbrahim El Muta also stated that they were waiting to go to Hama with his family of 6.

Noting that they had been in Turkey for about 11 years, El Muta said, "Praise be to God, the war is over. Turkey is very beautiful, but our homeland is Syria."

Hana Hasiko, who was waiting in line with her children and grandchildren, also expressed that Turkey and Syria are brothers, saying, "We thank you for everything, we are now going to our homes."

NOT EVERYONE WHO WANTS TO CAN GO

It was learned that permission is granted for those who wish to return permanently on a voluntary basis.

On the other hand, it was learned that those who have debts to official institutions in Turkey are not allowed to cross.

Those who cross voluntarily are given documents stating that their official records have been cleared.

The footage shared by journalist Kazım Kızıl from the Cilvegözü Border Gate is as follows:

Cilvegözü Sınır Kapısı

Reyhanlı • Hatay pic.twitter.com/ycJQCTbF2w

— Kazım Kızıl (@kazimkizil) December 9, 2024