Turkey helps Turkmens return to their Iraqi homes

By Izzet Mazi

KILIS, Turkey

Iraqi Turkmens who fled turmoil in Iraq to take shelter in areas in Syria cleared of terrorist groups with Turkey’s support are returning to their homes, officials said on Monday.

Nearly 200 Turkmens, including women and children, were brought to the buffer zone at the Oncupinar Border Gate after customs procedures on Monday.

The Turkish Red Crescent gave the Turkmens relief packages including canned food, bread, water, biscuits and blankets before they set off for home in buses provided by Turkey.

Nearly 1,200 out of 7,000 Iraqis who fled turmoil in Iraq to take shelter in safe areas in Syria have returned to their country through Turkey, according to Misbah Qaysi, an official at Iraq’s Migration Ministry.

"We are very grateful to the Republic of Turkey on behalf of the migrants. Especially the AFAD [Disaster and Emergency Management Authority] and the Turkish Red Crescent are making a lot of efforts to solve problems."

Hakan Sari, who heads the Turkish Red Crescent’s border assistance, said that efforts in the region have continued without any letup.

Stating that about a year ago, Turkmens from Tal Afar, Iraq fled war and intense conflict for refuge in various parts of the country and in Syria, Sari said:

“Around 7,000 migrants came to the Azaz region… We have supported them with food and various materials for one year.

“Now some of them want to return to their homes as conflicts decrease in their home regions. As a result of the joint efforts of the Turkish government and Iraq’s Consulate, some of these citizens are being taken through Turkey to their countries via the Habur Border Gate.”