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April 13, 2020

War-Displaced Syrians Return Home as They Now Flee the Coronavirus
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In Syria, thousands of people displaced by fighting in Idlib province
have begun moving back into their homes, hoping a tentative ceasefire
remains in effect. About 1 million people have fled a Russian-backed,
Syrian government offensive over the past year to crowded camps near the
Turkish border. One man who recently returned home said his family
feared the spread of disease more than bombs and mortars.

Zakaria Sawish: "The living spaces are overcrowded. There's been a lot
of displacement recently, from Saraqib, from the Maara, from Ariha, so
the camps became very crowded. We grew worried of diseases, so we
decided to come back to our town, thank God. We pray that we are safe
here."



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