29-30.01.26

Agreement STG-DAANES

We already posted the latest agreement between DAANES and STG. Currently it is just a paper, each time agreements with the STG have been made, they have not been followed by the STG. But if the implementation of it will take place in the upcoming weeks, it will have major implications for what the Rojava revolution turns into. Key points of the agreement are the integration of SDF under STG command, while YPJ remaining as a separatist part, and SDF keeping separate brigades in Kobane and Heseke. ….
https://deutsch.anf-news.com/rojava-syrien/ilham-ehmed-das-abkommen-ist-ein-politischer-neuanfang-fur-syrien-50076
https://english.anf-news.com/news/ilham-ahmed-shares-details-of-the-january-29-agreement-83671

Caravan in Defence of Humanity Arrives at Border to Kobane
After a week of travel, cars from various places in Europe finally reached the border with NES. The caravan is a direct support to the defence of the revolution. Before, there had been long delays at the Greek-Turkish border and a number of participants had not been let in to Turkey. Several further activists were deported from Turkey to Germany. Now, the caravan met with DEM party and makes clear that the border is not the end of the journey.

Evaluation

It’s still early for a complete evaluation about the consequences of this new agreement, but we want to take a look on how we got to this point. At the beggining of January, when the attacks on Aleppo started, SDF agreed to withdraw not just from Aleppo but from the areas that came under control of SDF after the collapse of the Assad regime. However STG forces already planned to advance further, overplaying their hand, confident that no external powers would intervene if they played bold. SDF was in a very difficult spot, and decided to withdraw from the contact line and reorganize in their strongholds, ready to defend the core areas.

Rojava made clear that it is ready to rise up in total resistance. That if it were to become an existential war, it is ready to fight until the end. STG tried to advance in Heseke, but they couldn’t. They besieged Kobane, but they did not get close to the city. Heavy clashes are still taking place in the contact lines between both forces. The new front lines where SDF decided to take a stance did not move. While STG forces already lost several armoured vehicles, the losses of the SDF are mainly from the ambushes they suffered during the withdrawal. Militarily, SDF is still a relevant force able to defend itself, as it has been proved during the last days. Politcally, the DAANES is still a relevant actor with a diplomatic body able to react to the political attacks. But mainly, the Kurdish people’s response, not only in Syria but all over Kurdistan and all around the world, is what brought the transitional government to the negotiation table.

If we look at the situation of the Kurdish people in Syria at the beggining of the war, and even more if we look beyond that, what this agreement is putting on the table is an incredible step. In many ways, it feels like a defeat, because it is formalizing the control of the central state over an autonomous administration that worked and developed free of the oppressing hand of any state. But it is also formalizing some rights and recognition that Kurds in Syria never had before.

Still, more than the papers signed or the institutions involved, what matters is how much this will affect the people on the ground. Clearly, the transitional government neither has the political force, nor the people to simply take control of the administration of northern Syria. Still, the implication of this agreement means giving up on major parts of autonomy that have been integral to the self-administration. The possibility of the return of IDP’s to Aleppo or Afrin is a very important part of the negotiations, and the revolutionary spirit is strong and ready to put up many fights. To avoid a bloodbath and to make space for political struggle it is an important move. The political arena can be a better ground to continue the struggle than the military force, knowing that if the doors for political transformation are closed (again), the right (and the means) for self-defense are accessible.

For sure, things will change. And clearly not for the best. The whole world is going into really dark times, but it is also in those dark times when new fires can light brigther. This may be the end of a very important chapter of the history of this particular revolution. Rojava is a proof that organizing a society outside of state control is possible also in the 21st century. That a revolution that puts women’s liberation in the center can build new forms of liberation with a degree and depth never seen before. The Kurdish Liberation Movement is more alive than ever, and will continue growing and learning from what is happening not only in Rojava, but in all of Kurdistan and beyond. As we said, this is just one chapter of the revolutionary history let’s make sure we write many more, let’s work to make the ones that are to come even better.

Revolutionary greetings!

27-28.01.26

Ongoing clashes

The extension of the ceasefire is still preventing major military conflict. Still, clashes and attacks are taking place in the front-lines. SDF made a statement reporting an attack repelled in the mountains Abd al-Aziz south of Hasakah where at least 4 attakers lost their lives. STG forces attacked with kamikaze drones SDF positions in Chil Axa, a town in the Qamishlo-Derik road that, if falling under control of STG forces, will cut the connection between Qamishlo and the border with Bashur.

ISIS resurgence threat
With the instability in the region, risks for further re-expansion of ISIS are high. While ISIS was never gone, the SDF did a decent job containing it. With multiple prisons and al-Hol camp now in STG’s hands, they have many more chances to regroup. According to Iraqi officials, ISIS membership has grown from 2000 to 10000 in the last year since Jolani took power in Syria. Iraq has increased its border security with Syria for worry of escaping ISIS trying to make their way to Iraq. Iraq and the US made an agreement that Iraq will take 7000 ISIS prisoners from Syria. Bagdad said it will prosecute the individuals once in Iraqi custody. The stated reason for the current 15-day ceasefire was the moving of these prisoners.

New Round of Negociations SDF and STG
On the evening of 27th of january a delegation from the SDF met with the STG in Damascus. No official statements yet.

Russian Repositioning
As we said in our last update, Russian forces have left their Qamishlo base. Now only two bases remain in Syria, Tartus and Khmeimim. Russian (military) power in the middle east is waning after the fall of Assad and with the war in Ukraine on going. Tartus and Khmeimim are now Russia’s only two bases outside the territory of former Soviet-Union.
Jolani and Putin have met today in Moscow palace. No official statements yet. The extradition of Assad and his wife is a matter Jolani has been pushing with Moscow since his ascention to power.

Internally Displaced People’s (IDP) Situation Critical
It is estimated by the AANES office for IDP’s and refugees that about 350.000 people have become IDP’s in recent weeks because of the STG’s attacks. Important to note is that many of these people were already displaced from Afrin, Sheba, Aleppo, Serekaniye and Tel Abyad and now are IDP for a 2nd, 3rd or 4th time. In some place more than 40 families are allocated in a single school with nowhere near enough basic facilities or access to water and food or heat and blankets.
Aid is coming in, from the UN, Heyva Sor, Barzani Foundation an other NGO’s, but it is not nearly enough to fulfil the basic needs of the people.

Arrest of the head of SDC
The Syria Democratic Council (SDC) condemned the arrest of Ghassan al-Youssef, deputy co-chair of SDC presidency, by the Syrian government, describing the move as arbitrary and a serious violation of political norms. The council said their decision to remain in their communities and continue political and administrative work under complex wartime conditions “was not an act of confrontation, but an expression of national and moral responsibility. (…) Targeting individuals who chose peaceful political work and holding local communities accountable for national choices that protected them from the brutality of the former regime is unacceptable and illegitimate.”

25-26.01.26

Fragile ceasfire
The extension of the ceasefire is preventing major military conflict. Still, clashes and attacks are taking place in the front-lines. Mazlum Abdi made public declarations explaining how negotiations are ongoing and SDF is ready to start implementing the agreements, where among other things include that STG forces won’t enter Kurdish cities.

– Clashes outskirts of Kobane, at least 4 armored vehicles of the STG destroyed by SDF after they tried to advance in Celebiye. Clashes in the Lafarge concrete plant, south of Kobane, allegedly captured by STG forces today.

– Clashes at Cil Axa, an Arab majority town on the strategic road from Qamishlo to Derik. The SDF supressed the attack.

– Clashes southern HSK, in the rural regions of the mountains of Abdullah Aziz (Ciya Qezwana). Recently Turkish drones struck positions in that area, where the SDF has a strong presence.

Aid convoy in kobane, humanitarian corridors
A convoy of 24 vehicles with food and other basic needs entered Kobane to assist those in need. Plans for humanitarian corridors to Kobane and to HSK are being displayed on Syrian State media, promising aid and evacuation of civilians to STG controlled areas.

Russian Forces Left Qamishlo Base
After contradictory reports of reinforcements and departure of Russian forces in Qamishlo, a reporter of al-monitor published a video from inside the empty Russian base, confirming their departure. Reportedly they left to their Khmeimim base near the Mediterranean sea. It is likely the Russians left on request of the STG. Previously the base function as a coordination point for joint patrols and as a shield for AANES against the Turkish state, because of shifting imperialist interests, specifically from the USA, the base has now lost its tactical relevance.

Evaluation

As some form of evaluation today we share a short statement of the Kurdish National Council (KNK) about the ongoing events and their demands to the international community. We also wanted to share some pages of analysis from Zahe Baher, a Kurdish anarchist living in UK, that reflects about the ongoing situation in northern Syria. We may have different political perspectives on some points, but we consider important also give space to Kurdish anarchists in these channels.

23-24.01.26

15 Days Ceasefire Extension
Today, Saturday January 24, the original ceasefire officially ends. All day, people have been observing the situation tense to see what will happen next. Throughout the day various claims have been circulating, on the one hand that the ceasefire would be extended, on the other that the STG does not agree with an extension. Finally it was made official that the ceasefire is extended for 15 days to transfer ISIS prisoners out of Syria, and with pressure on AANES to integrate into the Syrian state.
So far, some 150 mid/high-level ISIS prisoners have been transferred by the US from AANES to Iraq. Bagdad urges European state to repatriate their nationals.
Despite, STG forces continues to violate the ceasefire agreement including further attacks and preparatory military movement, with heavy military build up around the city of Hasakah.

Dire Situation in Kobanê
Because of the siege of Kobanê there is a growing shortage of food, water and fuel in the city. Additionally, the city got covered in snow. Heyva Sor reports 5 children have died in these harsh conditions. Heyva sor submitted an urgent appeal to the UN and the AANES made a call for humanitarian aid as well. UN official Farhan Haq is in contact with the STG to potentially send humanitarian aid, the UN also stated it wants to do more assesments of the situation. Until now no humanitarian aid has come to Kobanê.
On the 23rd it was reported that an SDF convoy reached Kobanê, with no further details of size known. In Kobane region and elsewhere, many residents of NES were internally displaced and seek shelter in the cities still under AANES governance.

Attacks on Kurdish Demonstrations in Europe
At a demonstration in Antwerp 6 people were injured, of which 2 heavily, because of a knife attack, all are in the hospital. Kurdish sources report that the perpetrators were salafists. In Hannover, a young man departing a demonstration carrying a YPG flag too has been stabbed. Outside of direct attacks, there have been many provocations made by outsiders attempting to de-rail the Kurdish demonstrations across European cities.

International Support for Rojava
In many countries, in different shapes and forms, support for Rojava is growing. In addition to demonstrations and actions there are also many organizations and politicians voicing their concerns. Basque trade union ELA expressed their solidarity and denounced the European silence. Activists of Abya Yala came together in Bogota, discussed and planned a week of action. A Catalan MP made a speech in parliament to draw attention to the issue, an MP of the Uruguayan parliament also took this issue up in a speech. At least 10 members of the European Parliament from various countries raised the issue. Some Druze leaders have also expressed their support.

Evaluation:

We are very much on edge, not able to take a step back to evaluate all things that are happening. Still, we want to share some lines with you.

We won’t extend now on what happened the last week, but we will briefly look at the current situation. We are now presented with a 15 days extension of the ongoing ceasefire, allegedly to ensure safe transport of the ISIS fighters to secure prisons in Iraq. Authorities of the DAANES have been demanding solutions for those prisoners for almost a decade, and now that US saw how those prisons will end up in hands of the STG, they rushed to evacuate the prisoners to Iraq. US even made statements blaming the SDF of being unreliable, acusing them of abondoning the prison security in al-Hol when STG forces were already assaulting the ISIS prison of Raqqa. Hipocrisy is a word that is too small for what US is doing. But let’s not get lost on that and see what’s on the ground.

Kobane is now under a brutal siege, with an extreme cold winter that brought snow all over Rojava. Several kids died from cold, since there is no electricity and no gasoline to ignite the stoves. Many people of the surrounding villages are escaping the artillery fire and assaults of STG forces, looking for shelter in the city of Kobane. Many refugees are sleeping in schools and improvised shelters, at temperatures below 0. The extension of the ceasefire may seem like good news, but people of Kobane are in dire need of humanitarian corridors where suplies can enter.

Unfortunately, STG forces and Turkey will probably use this siege to open corridors, not to bring supplies, but to evacuate civilians out of Kobane. That would make it easier for military forces to attack and asediate the city. Kobane is the symbol of resistance, the breaking point where the victory against ISIS started. They are eager to erase it, as a way to break the will of the revolution. We will closely following the situation there.

In the Cizire canton, major tensions are on the military build-up around Hasakah. So far, STG took over most Arab-majority areas, while DAANES are still in the main Kurdish populated places. Hasakah is the province’s capital, and in many ways has been functioning as an administrative center for the region. Situated on the outskirts of the Kurdish majority areas, with also a big Arab population, this city is becoming the critical point of the ceasefire negotiations. STG forces are trying to cut the road between Hasakah and Qamishlo, controlling supply routes, but also cutting off the way for possible reinforcements.

Things don’t look good, but the spirit of resistance is high. How the next 15 days of ceasefire will develop will determine the future of NES. It can move towards negotiated integration or to total war, and we need to be ready for both.

Revolutionary greetings!

21-22.01.26

New ceasfire – Multiple Violations
On January 20th, a 4-day ceasfire was anounced. The Syrian Transitional Government (STG) announced that during this time they will not advance further into Heseke or Qamishlo. The ceasfire is presented as a time given to SDF to discuss the proposal of the STG for dissolution of SDF, the intergration of SDF territories into Syria, and for its fighters to join the ranks of the new Syrian Army on individual basis.
The ceasefire is not fully respected by STG and SNA fighters who continue attacks, but is has halted the advances of the STG. So far though, there is not an outlook for a more peaceful solution after the 4 days end. In various villages though, spread over the current frontline, there are attacks by the Syrian army. Two Turkish drone strikes hit one internal security forces (Asayish) point and a hospital in Qamishli. At least 6 violations from STG of the ceasefire were reported within the first 19 hours by the SDF press office.

Civilians Take Up Arms
The existential threat NES is facing as a whole, moves many families and individuals to pick up arms and take their place in the defense of their homes and cities. Many have joined YPG/YPJ, neighborhood watches, etc. The mobilization is called for by the SDF, but the society-wide response is voluntary.

Besieged Kobane
Kobane is besieged with either Turkish or Syrian enemy on all sides. Water, basic food supplies, electricity, and internet are completely cut off. Meanwhile, Turkey moves heavy artillery, tanks, and troops to the border, right next to Kobane. In Pirsus, just across the border, protestors have gathered in support.

Al Ya’rubiah
STG advances into Al Yarubiah at the border of NES to Kurdistan-Iraq after SDF had to withdraw. Syrian state aligned media claim that an ammunition depot exploded on STG soldiers because the SDF mined it while withdrawing. The SDF says this is a misleading claim, and that they did not carry out such an operation. The SDF-press statement says that “According to confirmed information available to us, the explosion resulted from an accident during the transfer of ammunition by Damascus factions, and our forces have no connection to it whatsoever.”

SDF Withdrawal from Al-Hol Camp
Because of lack of support from the international coalition, the SDF could no longer ensure the security of al-Hol camp. The Ministry of Interior of STG Declare Al Hol Camp as “Restricted Area”. The current state of the camp in unclear, with some allegations of STG forces letting people leave the camp, others saying that there are clashes.

Released ISIS Members
RIC reports that there are reports of ISIS detainees being released from at least four prisons now in control of the STG, with detainees of two additional prisons also being led out but the affiliation of these prisoners cannot be confirmed at this time. These prisons house tens of thousands of ISIS members. They could pose a serious threat to the security of civilians in NES. Where all these prisoners went is unclear. Though Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) say to have caputred Mahmoud Hassan al-Jubouri, a high-ranking ISIS member while he attempted to cross from Syria into Iraq.
To prevent ISIS from regrouping, US organises the transfer of up to 7,000 ISIS prisoners from NES to Iraq. About 150 detainees have already been transferred. This follows a conversation between al Sharaa and US admiral Brad Cooper.
With Raqqa taken over by STG and Al Aqtaan prison besieged for days, a safe corridor is now demanded for the remaining SDF fighters who kept the position defending the prison of falling into Syrian army hands, thus seeking out a possibility for safe withdrawal.
If you want to read more on the details and consequences of this, check out:
https://rojavainformationcenter.org/2026/01/isis-escapes-as-a-result-of-syrian-army-assault/

SNA and STG Affiliates Attempt to Subvert DAANES
There are reports of individuals going around talking to civilians trying to spark insurgent efforts against the SDF. Civilians are scared by this. At the same time, there are several tribes changing sides, leaving SDF to join STG.

Syrian Army Advances Remind of Past Jihadist Aggressions
SDF posted a video alledgedly showing SDF fighters beign beheaded by the Syrian army. Some rhetoric of Syrian officials and treatments of SDF captives are a reminder of past behaviour of Al-Qaeda and ISIS in their cruelty.

Druze in Suweida Rise Up
Seizing the moment where STG is busy fighting the SDF in NES, Druze in Suweida, Southern Syria, call to take up arms again to push back against the STG forces in solidarity with the resistance in NES.

Protests Gain Traction
In various cities all around Europe thousands take to the street regularly protesting the attacks. Kurdish unity is strengthened with KRG (Kurdistan-Iraq) flags displayed alongside YPG/YPJ flags, as well as material help from KRG coming into Rojava. In Davos, where heads of states are meeting for the world economic forum, people protested against the invitation of Syrian transitional president Al Sharaa. In Turkey, at the border to NES, protesters are met with brutal violence, including beatings, water canons and even life ammunition. Thousands were protesting in Nusaybin, on the Turkish border next to NES. Many were arrested, including journalists. Despite repressions, a vigil is maintained at the border.

Growing Concerns For Shengal
The Yezidi population of Shengal has expressed its worries for their safety with the growing tension in the region, and specifically the escaped/released ISIS prisoners. The Yezidi population faced genocide at the hands of ISIS in 2013. Some families have fled or are preparing to flee toward Duhok, Kurdistan-Iraq. The Iraqi Ministry of Defense has deployed additional forces to the Iraq-Syria border and the the 74th Brigade of Hashd al-Shaabi (shia militias) sent forces to the Shengal border for security purpose, to protect civilians and ensure security.

Turkey Among Those Joining Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’
Trump basically seeks replace the UN with his own version of a ‘Board of Peace’ that suits his own interests to allegedly find a peace deal for Palestine. Turkey, alongside Middle Eastern and Central Asian states such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, UAE, Pakistan, and Indonesia joins Trump’s efforts.

Highlights 17.01.26

Offensive of STG
The current situation on the ground is confusing. We report on facts we were able to verify, but information is changing every minute:

   – Deir Hafer and Maskana
Forces linked to the Syrian Transitional Government (STG) started an offensive on Deir Hafer and Maskana (eastern Aleppo), taking control of those areas. The SDF informed that they reached an agreement with U.S. mediation to withdraw from those areas, which came under SDF control after the collapse of the regime one year ago. U.S. forces were deployed to Deir Hafer to assess the situation and monitor the current events on the ground. The U.S. also deployed warplanes that launched flares, allegedly as a warning to STG forces not to advance beyond Dibsy Afnan town.

   – Tabqa and Southern Raqqa
After taking control of Deir Hafer and Maskana, forces linked with the STG continued their advance, attacking villages surrounding Tabqa and Raqqa. Previously, the Syrian Arab Army Operations Command published locations of three buildings in Tabqa, calling for civilians to abandon those areas, framing them as being used by PKK militias and remnants of the Assad regime. Forces linked to the STG are taking control of the oil fields in the south of Raqqa, areas that the SDF took under control a year ago to prevent ISIS from occupying them.
The YPJ made a statement confirming the implementation of the withdrawal agreement from Deir Hafer. They also declared that the SDF and YPJ are in control of Tabqa and Raqqa, even as militias linked to the STG aim to take them. The SDF and YPJ are currently responding to those attacks as part of their right to self-defense.

   – Deir Ezzor
At the same time, clashes erupted in the border areas of Deir Ezzor, as different tribes and allegedly militias linked with the STG attacked SDF positions. The scale of such attacks is still not clear, but the SDF is already mobilizing reinforcements from the oil fields of al-Omar and Koniko to respond. As we write these lines, we see reports of STG forces also deploying in Deir Ezzor to begin attacks on SDF positions.

Presidential Decree on Kurdish Rights and Political Maneuvers of the Syrian Army
Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a presidential decree declaring Kurdish citizens as an essential part of the Syrian people and that the Syrian State is committed to protecting their cultural and linguistic rights. It also states that the Kurdish language may be taught in schools, that Kurds have the right to Syrian citizenship, and that Newroz is declared a public holiday in Syria. It further stipulates that ministries and relevant authorities shall publish this decree in official gazettes and issue the necessary regulations to implement it.
At the same time, the Syrian Army made announcements calling for Syrian Kurds and Arabs to defect from the SDF and join the Syrian Army, urging SDF soldiers to go to their nearest army post and claiming that “your homeland welcomes you anytime, anywhere.”

Evaluation

Once again, the situation in Syria is becoming chaotic and confusing, with a level of disinformation and fake news that makes it difficult to have a clear picture of the reality on the ground. The STG clearly planned this operation for a long time, as we can evaluate from the maps and infographics published by the national agency SANA.
The withdrawal of the SDF from Deir Hafer comes alongside the presidential decree, which states clear commitments from the Syrian state. This represents a significant improvement for the Kurdish people compared to the times of the Assad regime, but how this will be implemented remains an open question. It seems clear that this agreement, mediated by the US, was intended to prevent STG forces from advancing beyond Deir Hafer and Maskana regions. However, the attacks on Tabqa are violating these agreements and may be the prelude to a conflict on a scale never seen before.

The attacks by STG forces not only in Tabqa and Raqqa but also in Deir Ezzor demonstrate a wide-scale operation aimed at subduing the SDF, which has been holding its ground and working to resolve the situation at the negotiation table, attempting to avoid further military escalation. Now, red lines are being crossed, breaking agreements and attacking with full force: the SDF is already engaged in heavy clashes against these assaults.

This is once again a critical time for the Rojava Revolution, but as we mentioned in the last update, it is also a crucial time for the Kurdish people in Rojhilat. The protests in Iran are reaching unprecedented levels, and it is clear that the Iranian regime is under heavy pressure. The Kurdish regions of Iran are witnessing a level of unrest higher than we have ever seen, and protests are also ongoing in many other areas, even beginning in some Baloch regions. We are closely monitoring the situation there, but as long as Rojava faces such extreme pressure and escalation of events, we will focus our reports on the ongoing tensions in Syria to avoid taking on more than we can handle.

As we write these lines, reports of STG forces getting closer to Raqqa are surfacing on the internet. The truth of these reports, the extent to which STG forces are launching a full offensive, and how much disinformation is being spread online to confuse the situation is still unclear. What is evident is that the SDF is ready to fight to defend the values and achievements of the revolution. If these attacks aim to occupy and subjugate the people who defeated the Islamic State and built an oasis of democracy and women’s liberation in northern Syria, they will face fierce resistance. Because they know very well that resistance is life.

Revolutionary greetings!