One hundred and fifty days since her children went missing, Alison Azer has returned to the Comox Valley following a trip to Kurdistan without her children.
In August, Azer received word her ex-husband - Dr. Saren Azer (also known as Salahaddin Mahummudi-Azer) - hadn't returned to Canada from a court-approved trip to Europe with her children Sharvahn, 11, Rojevahn, 9, Dersim, 7 and Meitan, 3.
In a Facebook post last week, Azer wrote she travelled to the country in late October with the goal of finding her children.
"On Dec. 1, I was able to share the incredible news that we discovered where Saren was hiding the children. I was optimistic that they would soon be released and returned to Canada."
She noted complications arose from Saren's unwillingness to comply with international law.
"I tried everything I could think of, nothing worked. On the 150th day of my children's abduction, I returned to Canada with the heaviest of hearts. I wouldn't wish an hour of this nightmare on anyone."
Last month, Alison said through social media the children remain found but not freed.
"They are being held in a guarded compound. It is very cold now, especially where they are, and there is no central heating. They are not schooled and have no other children nearby," she wrote.
"I am terrified for them and losing hope for their safe recovery. In these myriad moments of despair, I am grateful to you for your strength and solidarity. If only it was enough to bring them home."
For more information, visit findazerkidsnow.com.