The Refugees Trapped in a Corner of Syria, Now Free

NPR | By Jane Arraf,

Greg Dixon

Published December 23, 2024 at 8:51 AM EST

A group of Syrian refugee children with their parents return home in the cabin of a truck, after more than 8 years as refugees in Rukban refugee camp.

In a remote corner of southeastern Syria near the border with Jordan, some 7,000 people have been trapped in a refugee camp for more than nine years. They had fled Syrian regime forces and ISIS attacks and had nowhere else they could go. Our reporter is the first person to visit the camp and learn what the future of the residents looks like now that the regime has fallen.

Support our non-profit journalism by joining NPR+

Recent Stories

WRVO is at a critical moment.

Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.

Support WRVO now