‘After Five Years, We Can Go Home’: Syrians Hopeful As Militias Push
Beirut, Lebanon – After five years of exile, Syrian refugees are cautiously optimistic as militias loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad push deeper into the rebel-held Idlib province.
Fighting Intensifies in Idlib
In recent weeks, fighting has intensified in Idlib, the last major rebel stronghold in Syria. The Assad regime, backed by Russian airstrikes, has launched a major offensive to retake the province from rebel groups. The United Nations estimates that some 400,000 people have been displaced since the start of the offensive in April.
Refugees Eye Return to Home
The fighting in Idlib has raised hopes among Syrian refugees that they may soon be able to return home. Many have been living in cramped conditions in refugee camps in Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey for years.
“We’ve been waiting for this moment for so long,” said Umm Abed, a Syrian refugee living in Lebanon. “We’ve suffered a lot here, but we’re ready to go back home and start rebuilding our lives.”
Cautious Optimism
Despite the optimism, refugees are still cautious about the situation in Syria. They are aware that the fighting is not over and that the Assad regime may not be ready to welcome them back.
“We’re afraid of going back and being arrested or killed,” said Ahmed, a Syrian refugee living in Jordan. “We need to be sure that it’s safe before we make the decision to return.”
International Community Calls for Ceasefire
The international community has called for a ceasefire in Idlib to allow for the safe evacuation of civilians. However, the Assad regime has so far resisted calls for a truce.
The future of Syrian refugees remains uncertain. They are hopeful that they will be able to return home soon, but they are also aware that the path ahead is fraught with risks.
