The Barzani Charity Foundation acted in anticipation of the deteriorating situation and swiftly expanded its service teams in Afrin.
More than 22,000 displaced families, comprising over 110,000 people, have taken refuge in towns and villages along the Afrin border. Barzani Charity Foundation teams are currently providing them with food, heating supplies, and medical care.
Prior to the clashes between the Syrian Army and the Syrian Democratic Forces in Aleppo, Musa Ahmad, President of the Barzani Charity Foundation, told Kurdistan 24 that any civil war in Syria would lead to a major humanitarian disaster and the displacement of thousands of families.
In this context, he highlighted the Foundation’s preparedness to deliver humanitarian assistance, stating: “We hope there will be no emergency that forces thousands of families to flee against their will. However, if such a situation occurs, we are ready to reach those areas and provide assistance. We have also prepared through Qamishli, as further civilian displacement is expected.”
The President of the Foundation emphasized that providing food, shelter, and especially healthcare for displaced families is a top priority. He explained that the Barzani Charity Foundation’s mobile medical clinic in Afrin, staffed by medical professionals from abroad, has been delivering healthcare services to the people of Afrin and surrounding border areas for the past three years, and that efforts are underway to further expand these services.
Regarding shelter, he noted: “It may not be possible to build shelters immediately, but Kurdish families have already opened their doors to refugees.”
Following the outbreak of fighting, and in response to a question from Ava Media, the President stated that a special meeting was held to assess additional needs. As a result, the provision of food, household items, heating equipment, fuel, clothing, and children’s supplies during the winter season was prioritized.
According to Musa Ahmad, Barzani Charity Foundation teams in Afrin are working continuously to support displaced families. He added that Kurdish residents from the Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiya neighborhoods in Aleppo fled toward Afrin through multiple routes following attacks by Syrian army forces.
Based on reports from the Barzani Charity Foundation office in Afrin, more than 22,000 families, totaling over 110,000 individuals, have sought refuge in border villages and towns, where serious challenges remain in providing adequate accommodation.
Between 9 and 11 January 2026, the Barzani Charity Foundation office in Afrin distributed 4,868 hot meals (rice, meat, garlic rice), along with bread and water. During this period, 178 patients received medical treatment, and 91 psychosocial support activities were conducted. The Foundation continues to distribute 3,000 hot meals daily.
Blankets and mattresses have been provided to camp residents and newly displaced families, and humanitarian assistance efforts will continue.
