The civilian organisation Afrin (Efrîn) and Shahba (Şehba) People’s Assembly announced on Monday the decision to evacuate the Tel Rifaat (Til Rifat) and Shahba regions to protect civilians from massacres. The Assembly accused Turkey and Turkish-allied mercenaries of intensifying attacks and tightening blockades.
“Turkey and its allied factions have carried out intense attacks on Tel Rifaat and Shahba, intent on occupation. To prevent massacres against our innocent people, we have decided to leave the areas under siege,” the Assembly stated. It also stressed that the evacuation does not signal abandonment of the struggle for the liberation of Afrin.
They vowed to continue resisting the occupation of Afrin, and expressed gratitude to the armed organisation Afrin Liberation Forces (HRE) for their efforts in ensuring the security of displaced residents.
Meanwhile, displaced families remain stranded in freezing conditions as the humanitarian toll mounts. Turkish-backed rebel Syrian National Army (SNA) factions have reportedly begun mass arrests, blocking evacuation routes.
The turmoil escalated on Sunday afternoon, with internally displaced persons (IDPs) attempting to leave Tel Rifaat and the surrounding Shahba region. They were met with roadblocks and threats, leaving numbers of families stranded outdoors. Displaced residents told North Press they had been prevented from leaving and were forced to spend the night in the cold, whilst fearing they would be executed.
Syria’s pro-Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) described the situation on Monday as a second wave of displacement under the directives of NATO member Turkey. “Thousands who fled Afrin previously are now stuck in Shahba in dire humanitarian conditions,” the PYD posted on X.
Mazloum Abdî, Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), said his forces were prioritising the safe evacuation of civilians. “We are in contact with all relevant parties to ensure Afrin’s displaced population can move safely to secure areas in North and East Syria,” he stated.
The crisis comes amid conflicting reports on the control of Tel Rifaat, a small but strategic town. Amed Dicle, a journalist monitoring developments in the region and a Medya News contributor, clarified that Turkish-backed factions have not taken over the area but are tightening their siege. “The town is surrounded, and the evacuation of civilians could take days. Nearby areas, including Marea (Mare) and A’zaz (Azez), have been under Turkish control for years,” Dicle reported.
The humanitarian toll is mounting as access to safe corridors remains elusive. Civilians fear mass arrests by the SNA factions, which have reportedly begun detaining individuals. Observers, including Erbil-based Dutch journalist Wladimir van Wilgenburg, voiced alarm on social media, highlighting the plight of tens of thousands. “Afrin IDPs face arrests, harsh weather and no safe passage,” he wrote on Monday.
Despite efforts by Kurdish-led forces to negotiate evacuation routes, the situation remains precarious. Mazloum Abdî reiterated his commitment to civilian protection, urging the international community to take immediate action to avert further humanitarian disaster.
The Afrin IDPs, originally displaced during Turkey’s 2018 military attacks on Afrin, had found refuge in Shahba but renewed hostilities have left them vulnerable once again. With no access to basic necessities, and with temperatures plummeting, their plight highlights the broader humanitarian crisis affecting displaced populations across Syria.
As families wait for safe passage amid intensifying conflict, decisive action remains absent. The situation grows increasingly desperate, demanding urgent intervention.
