afrinpost-Exclusive
Turkish and local organizations, bolstered by funding from Qatar, Palestine, and Malaysia, are intensifying their efforts to establish settlements in the Kurdish region of occupied Afrin. With approximately 45 settlements already in place, the focus now turns to Mount Lelun in the Sherawa sub-district, a prime target for settlement operations.
Recent observations by the North Press Agency on April 15th reveal ongoing construction of a new settlement in the Mount Lelun area, adjacent to the largest settlement bloc east of Afrin city. This latest project involves the development of around 100 residential units, with completion slated for mid this year. Once finished, the settlement is expected to accommodate IDPs hailing from Damascus and Homs.
This marks the thirteenth settlement within the Mount Lelun cluster, with numerous organizations continuing construction across various areas, bringing the total count of settlements to at least 45.
The latest phase of settlement expansion includes the recent inauguration of the “Al-Noor endeavor Project” by the “Wifaq” Humanitarian Relief Foundation on April 3rd in Jindires town. This project purportedly aims to house individuals affected by the earthquake of February 6, 2023.
Mount Lelun, an area rich in historical significance and natural beauty, has become a focal point for settlement endeavors. Despite being targeted for adjacent projects, the Mount Leloon area remains a priority due to its potential for establishing a large settlement complex resembling a city. This rapid development is part of a broader strategy to effect demographic change by relocating a substantial number of IDPs loyal to Turkey and the Syrian National Armey groups to the region.
Since the occupation of Afrin, Mount Lelun has served as a contentious zone between Turkish occupation forces, Syrian government troops, and Russian military observers. It has also been subject to the construction of IDP villages and a separation wall, aimed at isolating Afrin from the rest of Syria and facilitating demographic manipulation through settlement initiatives.
Turkish authorities, in collaboration with the Afrin Local Council, have played a pivotal role in facilitating settlement projects. The expedited allocation of land ownership documents for dwellings, rather than land, underscores the systematic approach to settlement expansion.
While authorities argue that settlement projects are established on state-owned lands, many projects encroach upon agricultural lands owned by Kurdish citizens. The uprooting of trees and excavation of agricultural lands further underscores the environmental impact of settlement activities.
The acceleration of settlement construction in occupied Afrin aligns with the Turkish government’s broader agenda of repatriating Syrian refugees to its territories and solidifying demographic changes in the Kurdish region.
As heavy excavation vehicles continue to transform vast areas near Eskan village, the establishment of new settlements on expansive plots exceeding 30 hectares is underway. These settlements are planned to accommodate 1500 houses along with essential amenities such as mosques, schools, and parks.
Among the settlements already established in Mount Lelun are Al-Shamiya Village, the Resettlement Project for the IDPs of Al-Bukamal, the Barakah Cluster, and several others.
