CAIRO
Syrian refugees whose living standards have further deteriorated after the military coup in Egypt are beginning to return to Syria
There has been an 80 percent increase in the number of passengers traveling from Cairo to Syria in recent days, according to a source at Cairo International Airport.
Officials expressed that, while three flights per week were scheduled between Syria and Egypt, there had been a steep decline in the number of passengers in flights from Syria to Cairo in comparison to the earlier months of the year.
A resident of the October 6 area, which has the densest Syrian refugee population in Egyptian capital Cairo, Luey as-Salih (30) told an AA correspondent that the living areas of Syrian refugees had been restricted following recent events in the country.
Indicating that he plans to return to Syria next week, as-Salih said that many Syrians plan to leave Egypt despite the risk of "being the target of bombs" in Syria.
As-Salih voiced that many Syrians, who had formerly considered Egypt to be a safe haven, now preferred to return to Syria rather than be detained in Egypt.
Explaining that Syrian refugees were now uneasy about being present in public places, as-Salih added that some media outlets were spreading reports against Syrian refugees, accusing them of involvement in the internal affairs of Egypt.
The increase in the number of passengers boarding flights from Cairo to Syria is being attributed to the destabilization of the country following the military coup, the severe interventions of security forces in Rabaa al-Adaweya and other areas which have led to the deaths of a large number of demonstrators, the increase in media reports targeting Syrian refugees, and the introduction of a visa requirement for Syrians seeking to enter Egypt.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
