Musa Baghdadi paid $6,000 to escape the shelling in Lebanon only to find his village in Syria under bombardment by Assad’s army. Along with over a quarter of a million Syrians, he returned home following the Israeli assault on Lebanon. The exact number was recorded at 253,284 by local media reports. However, the journey back was not easy.
Baghdadi traveled with his wife and four grandchildren, facing risks of arrest or kidnapping by the Syrian armed forces. The family’s house in al-Bara was badly damaged from shelling, but they were grateful to be back. Other displaced people in Lebanon also returned to Syria, facing challenges and risks.
Many Syrians like Mariam al-Qassem fled Lebanon and paid smugglers to avoid regime checkpoints. Upon returning, they had to pay fees at various army checkpoints, with the risks of arrest or extortion. Despite the challenges, families were relieved to reach their old villages, facing the reality of having to rebuild their homes once the shelling stops.
The ordeal highlights the difficult journey of Syrian refugees returning home, hoping for safety and security, while facing the challenges and risks of war-torn territories. The returnees have shown resilience and determination to rebuild their lives despite the ongoing conflict in the region.
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