Hundreds lined the streets of Heseke today to receive 400 SDF soldiers, most captured in January’s fighting. This is the third prisoner exchange after a ceasefire deal at the end of January and brings the total released prisoners to around 1000.

Some prisoners from the 2018 Turkish invasion of Afrin and attacks on Shehba in 2024 have also been released. Other fighters previously declared dead by the SDF have also been released. This makes it difficult to estimate how many more may be released in the future.

Emina Ehmo was one civilian waiting for her cousin to return home after his capture. She told RIC, “We are very happy, our holidays and blessed days have just started. Hopefully all other prisoners will be released soon as well. May the heart of all Kurdish mothers be relieved.”