2.1.7. Conflict-induced displacement and return

IOM’s population movements assessments in Syria, which started as of February 2025, show that there was a decrease in Aleppo’s IDP population between February 2025 (around 1.4 million out of a total population of approximately 4.84 million, 29 %)512 and April 2026 (around 970 000 out of a total population of approximately 5.7 million, 17 %).513

According to UNOCHA, clashes between Syrian government forces and the SDF in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighbourhoods of Aleppo displaced an estimated 148 000 people between 6 and 10 January 2026.514 Approximately 29 000 had returned to their homes by 12 January.515 By March 2026, IOM reported that an estimated 79 % of those displaced from Aleppo governorate during the most recent conflict in North-East Syria had returned to their areas of origin compared with the peak level of displacement recorded on 9 January, when 138 053 individuals were reported as displaced. The majority of those remaining in displacement (a total of 28 691) were residing in Afrin (13 278) and Ain al-Arab (10 397).516 At the same time, UNOCHA estimated the prospects for return to Afrin district to be constrained by unclear procedures, insecurity, and widespread property destruction or secondary occupation.517

UNHCR further estimated that, as of end of May 2026, 469 090 individuals had returned to locations in Aleppo governorate from internal displacement since December 2024518 and that 233 317 had returned to the governorate from abroad within the same period.519