Refugees from Syria's Aleppo seek safety in Jarabulus

By Kerem Kocalar and Mehmet Akif Parlak

GAZIANTEP, Turkey (AA) - The number of people from war-weary Aleppo to have recently sought shelter in Syria’s northern city of Jarabulus has reached 200, according to a civilian relief worker based in the latter city.

"Jarabulus has become a safe haven for refugees fleeing Aleppo," Ibrahim Haddad, who oversees a tent city set up in Jarabulus, told Anadolu Agency.

According to Haddad, the Turkish government has provided the tent city with 18 large hangars that can accommodate hundreds of refugees.

"We have received many people from central Aleppo," Haddad said. "We need beds and heaters; God willing, these will soon be provided by Turkey."

Ever since Daesh terrorists were purged from Jarabulus last year within the context of Turkey’s Operation Euphrates Shield, the city has become a destination for refugees from elsewhere in Syria.

Launched in August of last year, Euphrates Shield has seen the Turkish military provide support to the opposition Free Syrian Army with a view to purging northern Syria of terrorist groups.

The population of Jarabulus has now risen to more than 30,000 compared to only 3,500 before the operation.

Many of the refugees who have recently arrived in Jarabulus have built makeshift homes or tents and are subsisting on Turkish humanitarian aid.

Mustafa Ahmed, who says he lost two children during the Assad regime’s lengthy siege of Aleppo, told Anadolu Agency that he had moved to Jarabulus to save the rest of his family.

"Despite our very limited resources [in Jarabulus], we are grateful to be living in safety," he said.

"Being able to live without the constant fear of death is very precious to us," Ahmed added. "We thank Turkey and everyone else responsible."

"God willing," he added, "we will start a new life here."

On Dec. 30, a ceasefire deal brokered by Turkey and Russia went into effect throughout war-torn Syria.