Rojava calls for urgent national dialogue as tensions continue in the south
Sunni fighters threaten to 'burn' Suwayda despite ceasefire
Secretary Rubio warns Damascus over Suwayda violence as tribal forces withdraw
'They're erasing our identity': Suwayda native in Erbil pleads for end to violence
Clashes continue in Suwayda, death toll passes 900: Watchdog
A+ A-
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), which rules northeast Syria (Rojava), on Tuesday issued an urgent call for an inclusive national dialogue involving all democratic national actors, while also urging an investigation into the recent clashes between Druze militants and Sunni fighters. A fragile ceasefire seems to be holding.
'We urgently call for the launch of an inclusive national dialogue. This dialogue should culminate in a broad-based national conference that brings together all democratic national actors. The goal must be to shape a new Syrian political project grounded in transitional justice,' the SDC said in a statement.
The SDC is the political wing of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the de facto army of Rojava.
The statement highlighted the importance of inclusive national dialogue, aiming to bring an 'end to authoritarianism,' and emphasized the need to establish a democratic, decentralized, and pluralistic system in Syria that will 'guarantee genuine participation for all segments of Syrian society without exception.'
It further called for an independent and transparent investigation into the recent clashes in the southern province of Suwayda.
The fighting erupted between the Druze and Bedouin tribes on July 13, leading to a regional crisis as Israel intervened in support of the Druze - hitting several targets - including Syrian state forces and an airstrike on the building of the defence ministry in Damascus. Syrian state forces were accused of siding with the tribal fighters.
The ceasefire between Israel and Syria - brokered by Washington - was announced Saturday by the US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack.
Several clashes between the Druze and Bedouin fighters were reported hours later but the truce currently seems to be holding. The Druze are in control of the province while the state forces are guarding the entrance of the province to prevent Sunni fighters from entering it in a bid to avoid further tensions. Bedouin families who were stuck in the province were escorted out on Monday.
The recent clashes have killed at least 1,265 people, according to the SOHR.
'It is essential to ensure that those responsible for violations are held accountable. This must be done without discrimination or bias,' the SDC said.
It criticized the recent clashes as 'a direct manifestation of the broader collapse of the political and institutional structures,' amid affirming it as a threat to Syria's territorial integrity.
Three ceasefires between Damascus and the Druze fighters have failed since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December.
'We warn of the grave danger of being drawn into internal conflicts driven by sectarian, regional, or communal divisions,' the SDC said.
Kurds in Rojava, like other minorities in Syria, remain concerned about the centralization of power and reliance on Islamic jurisprudence in the transitional constitution that has been adopted by the interim government in Damascus.
While Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has pledged to form an 'inclusive transitional government that would reflect Syria's diversity,' he continues to face domestic and international criticism over his perceived marginalization of minority communities.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Rudaw Net
3 hours ago
- Rudaw Net
US passes Syria sanctions bill, ties relief to reforms
Also in World Rubio tells Sudani important to pay KRG salaries 'consistently' Brawl breaks out between pro-Damascus, Kurdish rallies in Germany's Dusseldorf US encourages Iraq to end tensions with Kurdistan Region US orders return of Baghdad embassy, Erbil consulate staff A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The United States House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the Syria Sanctions Accountability Act, aiming to maintain pressure on Damascus while allowing flexibility to support Syria's transitional government. 'The goal is to give them the chance to succeed while ensuring accountability for any malign activities,' said US Congressman Mike Lawler, a member of the committee behind the bill. According to the US Congress website, the legislation proposes maintaining and expanding targeted sanctions on individuals and entities linked to the former regime, human rights violations, narcotics production, and activities threatening Syria's stability or hindering transitional justice. It also calls on US financial agencies to review banking restrictions and push for enhanced economic monitoring at international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. The bill ties the lifting of remaining sanctions to measurable progress in several areas, including ending attacks on civilians, ensuring humanitarian access, releasing political prisoners, and halting the targeting of religious minorities. 'My bill provides the administration with the flexibility to ensure that our posture is in line with the current environment and provides Congress with the information we need to act,' Lawler added. In May, US President Donald Trump, during a trip to the Middle East, announced his decision to effectively lift most broad, economy-wide sanctions on Syria. He also met with Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa during a summit in Riyadh hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Since taking office in January, following the toppling of longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad, Syria's new leadership has prioritized lifting international sanctions. Several countries, including members of the European Union, which officially lifted its sanctions in May, have expressed openness to removing Assad-era restrictions but have emphasized the need for inclusive governance and strong counterterrorism efforts. In a recent interview with Reuters, US envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack said he had urged Sharaa to embrace a more inclusive political approach in the wake of recent sectarian violence, warning that failing to do so could undermine international support and risk further fragmentation of the country. A fresh wave of violence between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes has rocked the southern Druze-majority Suwayda province since July 13, leading to a regional crisis as Israel intervened in support of the Druze, striking several targets, including Syrian state forces and an airstrike on the defense ministry building in Damascus. Sharaa's forces have been accused of siding with the Sunni tribes. 'We're, of course, aware of those reports and we're aware that some who might be affiliated but not directed by the Syrian Government may be a part of that [violence],' US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce told Rudaw's Diyar Kurda during a press conference on Tuesday. At least 1,265 people have been killed in the violence in Suwayda, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. A Washington-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Syria was announced on Saturday by Barrack, with the truce seemingly holding. The Druze are in control of the province, while Syrian government forces are guarding the entrance to prevent Sunni fighters' entry in a bid to avoid further tensions. In June, the Observatory reported that 7,670 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the first half of the year due to ongoing violence and widespread 'security chaos.' A fact-finding committee probing sectarian violence in Syria's coastal Alawite-majority areas in March said on Tuesday that it identified nearly 300 suspects in connection with the events, which left more than 1,700 people dead, mostly from the Alawite community. Investigations by the committee documented 'serious violations against civilians,' including 'murder, premeditated murder, looting, destruction and burning of homes, torture, and sectarian insults,' committee spokesperson Yasser al-Farhan said during a Damascus presser. In March, violence erupted in Syria's Alawite-majority coastal areas after armed groups, many loyal to ousted president Bashar al-Assad, launched attacks on forces allied with the government, prompting Damascus to respond with force.
Shafaq News
4 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Israeli troops raid house in Southern Lebanon
Shafaq News - Marjayoun An Israeli force crossed into the al-Mari plain in southern Lebanon, raiding a house sheltering several Syrian workers, Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported on Wednesday. Troops were searching for a Syrian national who was not at the location, briefly detaining two other workers before releasing them. The incursion marks another breach of the US-brokered ceasefire implemented on November 27, 2024. Since then, Lebanese authorities have documented over 4,000 Israeli violations, with at least 232 people killed and more than 530 injured. Israel continues to occupy five military outposts in southern Lebanon, despite ceasefire terms requiring a full withdrawal. The latest escalation comes as US Special Envoy Tom Barrack visited Beirut to discuss a proposal aimed at ending hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. The plan includes the disarmament of Hezbollah, a halt to Israeli airstrikes, Israel's withdrawal from occupied southern positions, and a linked economic aid package for Lebanon.
Rudaw Net
4 hours ago
- Rudaw Net
UK smuggling sanctions target 10 individuals from Iraq, Kurdistan
Also in Iraq Iraq eyeing 'sustainable' diversification away from oil: PM advisor Diyala council seeks to block Qaratapa district upgrade Iraq's ruling coalition condemns drone attacks on Kurdistan Region Iraqi parliament fails to discuss drone attacks on Kurdistan Region A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Ten Iraqi nationals, including individuals from the Kurdistan Region, were sanctioned under a new United Kingdom sanctions regime targeting smuggling networks, the British consulate in Erbil said on Wednesday. The UK announced on Tuesday the launch of what it described as the world's first sanctions regime specifically aimed at smuggling gangs and their facilitators. 'The first designations under the regime, announced today, include 10 Iraqi nationals who have been exploiting and endangering vulnerable people, including from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and threatening the security of the UK and the KRI [Kurdistan Region of Iraq],' the UK consulate general in Erbil said in a statement seen by Rudaw. 'These sanctions are part of a wider effort, in coordination with international partners, including the KRG [Kurdistan Regional Government], to stop this cruel trade and promote regional and international stability,' it added. The new Global Irregular Migration and Trafficking in Persons (GIM) sanctions target individuals and organizations involved in smuggling and trafficking worldwide, including those who fund or enable such activities. Measures include travel bans, asset freezes, and restrictions on access to the UK's financial system. With these sanctions, the UK government does not have to rely on criminal or counter-terrorism laws. They require less evidence and do not involve the apprehension of the suspect. Criminal law also takes effect after a crime has been committed, while sanctions serve as a proactive tool to disrupt criminal activity and publicize the individuals involved. 'For too long, criminal gangs have been lining their corrupt pockets and preying on the hopes of vulnerable people with impunity as they drive irregular migration to the UK. We will not accept this status quo,' UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said in a statement on Tuesday. 'That's why the UK has created the world's first sanctions regime targeted at gangs involved in people smuggling and driving irregular migration, as well as their enablers,' he added. The BBC reported the announcement following a protest outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in southeast England's Essex county. The protest was triggered by the arrest of an asylum seeker for alleged sexual assault. It also reported that around two dozen names of the first batch of targeted individuals will be announced. Per the UK consulate general's statement, it is clear that ten of the individuals are Iraqi nationals, including from the Kurdistan Region. AFP released the identities of some of them, including several with Kurdish names. 'The first targets will cover a range of wrongdoing, from the supply of small boats being used on cross-Channel journeys, to the trade in fake passports, as well as middlemen facilitating payments through Hawala networks, to the gang leaders themselves,' the British government's statement said. Hawala networks are an informal and trust-based system for transferring money across borders without physical transfer of money. Separately, the UK has signed a 'one in, one out' agreement with France, allowing the return of illegal migrants arriving from France in exchange for accepting a set number of legal asylum seekers from France subject to security checks, according to the BBC. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also recently reached agreements with France and Germany aimed at curbing the arrival of small boats. Thousands of people from Iraq and the Kurdistan Region take on perilous routes towards Europe on a yearly basis in hopes of escaping unemployment, political instability, and corruption. The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) has previously worked with the KRG against organized crime. 'We maintain a positive relationship with law enforcement partners in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and work with them against a range of shared threats, including organised immigration crime," a spokesperson for the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) press office told Rudaw in November 2024. Kurdish criminal groups control the increasingly lucrative cross-Channel migration routes, according to the NCA, which said in its 2023 assessment that the groups are mainly based in northern Europe. Also in November last year, a French court sentenced 18 people, mostly Kurds from the Kurdistan Region, to prison terms of up to 15 years for operating a smuggling network that transported people across the English Channel. In May 2024, Kurdish police in Sulaimani arrested a Kurdish man accused of heading an organized crime group that smuggled people into the UK. The regime was previously outlined by foreign minister David Lammy in January.
