Hundreds of Syria Kurds head back to border town

HASAKAH: A first group of Syrian Kurds were headed for the northeastern border town of Ras al Ain on Monday following years of displacement, months after an integration deal between the Kurds and Damascus. The January agreement on merging Kurdish forces and civil institutions into the state included the return of displaced Kurds but residents of Ras al Ain had still been waiting, prompting appeals to authorities for assistance.
Jawan Isso, from a committee representing displaced people from Ras al Ain, said that a 'first batch' of some 2,500 people were headed home on Monday. 'This step is the result of efforts by all sides and ongoing coordination' between the Damascus and Kurdish authorities, he said, adding that 'the second batch will be transferred in the coming days'.
A correspondent saw dozens of trucks loaded with furniture and other belongings waiting to set off from near the city of Hasakeh, with men, women and children eager to depart.
The committee representing displaced people from Ras al Ain said Monday's transfer was 'the start of a path towards a full return', emphasising the need to protect property, housing and land rights' and provide basic services and infrastructure for returnees. — AFP