ALEPPO, Syria — A local department that helps displaced persons in Ras al-Ain, in the north of Hasakah province in northeastern of Syria, has announced its readiness to help Syrian refugees in Turkey return to their homes.

The area is under the control of the Turkish army and the Syrian National Army (SNA) of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) as part of Operation Peace Spring, the Turkish offensive into northeastern Syria that was launched Oct. 9. 

“We are seeking through the local council to provide the necessary services for refugees returning to Ras al-Ain, including free transportation for Syrians based in Urfa province and other Turkish provinces. Refugees, however, have to gather at the place and time specified in the announcement,” Abdel-Karim Mohammad, an official at the Directorate of Civil Peace and Displaced Persons, told Al-Monitor.

“There will be consecutive trip appointments for the refugees who wish to return. Hundreds of refugees were already transferred to Ras al-Ain on Jan. 10. There are no accurate statistics on the number of refugees who have returned so far, as there are other batches of refugees who will be transported in succession. The door is open for Syrians to return. Their entry will be through the Tell Abyad crossing and then to the Ras al-Ain area, where refugees could return to their homes and villages,” he added.