Maabatli

Maabatli (also transliterated as Mabeta or Ma’batli) is a town located in the Afrin District of the Aleppo Governorate in northwestern Syria. Situated in the Kurdish Mountains (Kurd Dagh), it lies southwest of the city of Afrin and is predominantly inhabited by Kurds.

Historically, Maabatli has been an agricultural center, known for its olive groves, vineyards, and fruit orchards. The region's fertile land has contributed significantly to the local economy.

During the Syrian Civil War, control of Maabatli changed hands. It was initially controlled by Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) forces before being captured by Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) forces during Operation Olive Branch in 2018. This military operation resulted in significant demographic changes in the area.

Following the capture by Turkish-backed forces, there have been reports of displacement of the Kurdish population and resettlement of Syrian Arab refugees in Maabatli and the surrounding areas. Reports from various human rights organizations have documented allegations of property confiscation and other human rights abuses. The area remains under the control of Turkish-backed Syrian National Army factions.