Global
Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi announced that 723,000 Syrians have voluntarily returned to their homeland from Turkey since the recent developments in Syria on December 8. This declaration came during his appearance on a local television program, where he shared updated statistics on foreign nationals, the "voluntary, safe, and dignified" return of Syrians, and border security information. Çiftçi highlighted a notable acceleration in the return process for Syrians, stating that a total of 1,005,000 Syrians have returned over the past decade. He also specified that Turkey hosts 3,623,000 legally residing foreign individuals, including 2,235,000 Syrians under "temporary protection" status. On border security, the Turkish minister affirmed strengthened measures, noting the completion of a 1,389-kilometer border wall. He explained that these borders are under continuous technological surveillance, utilizing thermal cameras, watchtowers, and patrol vehicles operating around the clock to monitor all movements.
