Syria's Afrin rebuilds, welcoming back displaced citizens
Municipal services have resumed in Afrin, Syria, two months after the Free Syrian Army, backed by the Turkish army, took control of the city.
AFRIN, Syria — Afrin's markets are once again buzzing with activity as many restaurants, fruit and vegetable stands, cafes and clothing shops have reopened their doors to customers.
Normal life is gradually returning to the city in northwestern Aleppo province, some two months after the Free Syrian Army and the Turkish army took control of Afrin on March 18 as part of Operation Olive Branch. The Turkish military launched the offensive Jan. 20 against the People’s Protection Units (YPG), an armed Kurdish group that controlled the predominately Kurdish area. Turkey considers the YPG a terrorist organization, which the group denies. The YPG is part of a larger coalition that assisted US troops fighting against the Islamic State in Syria.
The Afrin revival began after Turkey targeted the city for months with artillery fire and airstrikes.
During a tour of Afrin in the first days of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Al-Monitor met some of the locals, as well as residents originally from different parts of Syria, who spoke about how much living conditions have improved. Municipal services have resumed and running water has been restored. Bread is available once again.
