Latest news with #Kurdish-led
Rudaw Net
40 minutes ago
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Five killed, two injured in ‘terrorist' attacks on Rojava Asayish
ERBIL,Kurdistan Region - The Kurdish-led Internal Security Forces (Asayish) in northeast Syria (Rojava) confirmed on Tuesday that five of their personnel were killed and two others were injured in a series of attacks by 'terrorist groups' against their positions. In a statement, the Asayish said that a series of 'treacherous attacks' carried out by 'terrorist groups' had targeted their positions, resulting in the deaths of five members in the Shaddadi area of northeastern Syria's Hasaka province, and the injury of two others in the Tabqa region of northern Raqqa province. Both Tabqa and Shaddadi are in areas administered by the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES). TThe Asayish characterized the attacks as 'a futile attempt to undermine stability and spread chaos' that 'will not deter us from performing our duty." The Kurdish-led forces added that "extensive investigations" are underway to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable. A day prior, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that five members of the Asayish were killed in an attack carried out by Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Rojava. The UK-based war monitor characterized the attack as part of a broader ISIS campaign aimed at 'reorganizing its ranks and creating a state of chaos.' Since the beginning of 2025, SOHR says it has 'documented 126 ISIS operations' in areas administered by the DAANES. 'These operations included armed assaults, targeted killings and bombings,' resulting in the deaths of 51 individuals - 34 fighters from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), nine civilians, and eight ISIS members. The US-backed SDF was instrumental in defeating ISIS in 2019 and capturing thousands of the group's fighters. The force continues to operate in coordination with hundreds of US troops as part of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Both the SDF and Asayish are also primarily responsible for securing the Roj and al-Hol camps in Rojava. These camps house thousands of individuals suspected of ISIS ties and are widely viewed as potential breeding grounds for extremist ideology. Since its defeat in 2019, ISIS has been trying to regain its strength, particularly after a coalition of opposition groups led by the now-dissolved Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) on December 8 toppled the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. SDF chief Mazloum Abdi has repeatedly warned of the growing threat posed by ISIS. In mid- January, he urged the 'need to intensify efforts to continue the fight against ISIS if we don't want to see it make a comeback.'
Rudaw Net
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
EU sanctions relief for Syria ties to human rights commitments: Diplomats
Also in World Kurdish student in Finland turns coffee waste into clean energy From refugee to educator: A Kurd's mission to empower children in Germany Author uses literature to document Kurdish tragedies US reiterates support for SDF integration A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – European officials on Tuesday stressed that Syria's future must be shaped through an inclusive, Syrian-led political process that safeguards minority rights and reflects the country's diverse social fabric. They warned that failure to do so could trigger the reinstatement of European Union (EU) sanctions. Speaking to Rudaw on the sidelines of the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting in Brussels, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said France is actively supporting dialogue between the interim authorities in Damascus and the Kurdish-led Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) in northeast Syria (Rojava). 'Certainly, we continue working with the Americans to facilitate dialogue between Syrian authorities and Kurdish authorities,' Barrot said, affirming France's ongoing commitment to Kurdish rights. "The Kurds were trusted allies in the fight against the [Islamic State] ISIS,' he emphasized, adding that France's priority is for the people of Rojava to 'enjoy full citizenship rights in Syria.' Barrot expressed hope that the talks between Damascus and the Kurdish-led administration would 'continue under the best conditions.' Following a swift offensive in December, a coalition of opposition groups - then headed by the now-dissolved Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) under Ahmed al-Sharaa - toppled the regime of longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad. Sharaa was appointed interim president in January, vowing to lead an inclusive political transition. However, the interim government has faced criticism from minority groups, including the Kurds, who accuse it of exclusionary policies and centralization of power. A key breakthrough came in early March, when Sharaa and Mazloum Abdi, commander of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), signed an agreement to integrate the Kurdish-led force, which serves as the de facto army in Rojava. The accord also outlined the integration of 'all civil and military institutions' in Rojava under the Syrian state, including border crossings, Qamishli International Airport, and oil and gas fields. Since then, multiple rounds of negotiations have taken place between DAANES and Syrian government delegations, with the presence of both US and French representatives. While some progress has been made, a central disagreement remains unresolved. Damascus maintains that DAANES's administrative and military structures must be fully absorbed into a centralized state, adhering to the principle of 'one Syria, one army, one government.' In contrast, the Kurdish parties in Rojava are advocating for a decentralized, democratic Syria that preserves the autonomy and institutions developed in Rojava over the past decade. In its Sunday statement, DAANES welcomed the latest meetings with the Syrian government - held in the presence of US and French representatives - as 'a crucial step toward launching a serious Syrian-Syrian dialogue.' It also expressed 'sincere thanks and gratitude' to both countries for their 'constructive role and continuous efforts in supporting stability, peace, and democracy in Syria.' Speaking to Rudaw on Tuesday, Dubravka Suica, the European Commissioner for Democracy and Demography, reiterated the EU's position in favor of a 'Syrian-led and Syrian-owned' process that ensures representation of all societal segments - including minorities and women. 'We trust in this government and we are looking forward to talking about all the parts of the society,' she said, noting that a 'national dialogue' with different groups will be held in November. Crucially, Suica stressed the effort should not be confined to Damascus, urging locations 'at the [Syrian] coastal [areas] or in Aleppo or somewhere else. 'Syria is not only Damascus,' she said. The initiative follows recent diplomatic engagements with the Syrian government, who are "aware of the situation" and "trying to make what they can," Suica said, adding that 'the minister hoped these discussions will "cover the whole country." For his part, Germany's Minister of State for Europe Gunther Krichbaum also underscored that discussions on Syria's future must prioritize the country's sovereignty and avoid confusing federalism with separatism. "In the case of sovereign states, it is always the state itself that is asked how it wants to organize itself," the official stated, stressing that "one must always be a bit careful that [federalism] is not confused with separatism." Krichbaum further highlighted the immense challenge for Syria to "bring together the different social currents, and also tribes." This internal cohesion, he stressed, "will be the great task for the future' to achieve 'stability for the country.' Meanwhile, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys told Rudaw that any easing of EU sanctions is strictly conditioned on Syria's commitment to human rights and inclusive governance. On May 20, the EU officially decided to lift all economic sanctions on Syria, removing 21 entities from 'the EU list of those subject to the freezing of funds and economic resources,' the EU Council then said. 'Several of these entities are banks, including the Central Bank of Syria, or companies operating in key sectors for Syria's economic recovery,' the Council elaborated. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas then hailed the decision, saying it comes at a 'historic' time to safeguard Syria's economic recovery. 'The EU has stood with the Syrian people throughout the last 14 years, and it will continue to do so. Today the EU reaffirms its commitment as a partner for the transition,' she said. However, according to Budrys, a key condition for any lifting or suspension of sanctions in Syria is its adherence to principles that safeguard all societal groups and minorities, regardless of their religious, ethnic, or other identities. 'Be it religion, ethnicity, or any other identity - it must be protected,' he said. 'If these protections are not provided, the EU reserves the right to reimpose sanctions.' He acknowledged the scale of destruction in Syria following years of war, but stressed that 'international laws and principles must still be followed.'
Rudaw Net
2 days ago
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Five Kurdish security forces killed by ISIS in northeast Syria: War monitor
Also in Syria Deadly violence in Suwayda draws UN, Kurdish reactions At least 30 dead in Syria's Suwayda clashes Bedouin, Druze clashes kill 21, injure dozens in south Syria: War monitor Rojava administration reiterates call for 'decentralized' Syria, constitutional overhaul A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Five members of the Kurdish-led internal security forces (Asayish) were killed in northeast Syria (Rojava) in an attack carried out by Islamic State (ISIS) militants, a war monitor reported on Monday, adding that the incident underscores a surge in ISIS activity targeting both civilians and security forces in Kurdish-controlled areas. According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the five Asayish members 'were killed in Hasaka province when ISIS cells attacked their security checkpoint on the al-Dashisha road in southern Hasaka countryside. 'The assailants fled to an unknown location,' SOHR added. The UK-based war monitor characterized the attack as part of a broader ISIS campaign aimed at 'reorganizing its ranks and creating a state of chaos.' Since the beginning of 2025, SOHR says it has 'documented 126 ISIS operations' in areas administered by the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES). 'These operations included armed assaults, targeted killings and bombings,' resulting in the deaths of 51 individuals - 34 fighters from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), nine civilians, and eight ISIS members. The US-backed SDF was instrumental in defeating ISIS in 2019 and capturing thousands of the group's fighters. The force continues to operate in coordination with hundreds of US troops as part of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Both the SDF and Asayish are also primarily responsible for securing the Roj and al-Hol camps in Rojava. These camps house thousands of individuals suspected of ISIS ties and are widely viewed as potential breeding grounds for extremist ideology. Since its defeat in 2019, ISIS has been trying to regain its strength, particularly after a coalition of opposition groups led by the now-dissolved Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) on December 8 toppled the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. SDF chief Mazloum Abdi has repeatedly warned of the growing threat posed by ISIS. In mid- January, he urged the 'need to intensify efforts to continue the fight against ISIS if we don't want to see it make a comeback.' SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi has consistently warned of the growing ISIS threat. In mid-January, he emphasized 'the urgent need to intensify efforts in the ongoing fight against ISIS, if we don't want to see it make a comeback.'
Rudaw Net
2 days ago
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
At least 30 dead in Syria's Suwayda clashes
Also in Syria Bedouin, Druze clashes kill 21, injure dozens in south Syria: War monitor Rojava administration reiterates call for 'decentralized' Syria, constitutional overhaul Rojava ruling party rejects Damascus 'integration' as bid to 'dismantle' institutions Rojava official says concerned about hate speech, treason accusations after US envoy remarks A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The death toll from the ongoing clashes between Bedouin tribes and members of the Druze community in Syria's southern Suwayda province has risen to at least 30, the defense ministry said on Monday. "We have followed with deep sadness and concern the bloody developments Suwayda province has witnessed over the past two days, which left more than 30 deaths and nearly 100 injuries in a number of neighborhoods and towns," the ministry said , as reported state media. "In coordination with Interior Ministry, we have deployed specialized military units to the affected areas, providing safe passages for civilians', affirming the security forces commitment to protecting civilians in accordance with the law," it added. Among the dead are seven members of Damascus-affiliated forces, according to state media. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) put the death toll at 40. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) condemned the attacks. "We condemn the ongoing attacks and aggressions targeting the villages and towns of al-Sweida, which have led to the tragic loss of many lives and the burning and looting of numerous civilian homes and farms. The repeated attacks on our people in al-Sweida, along with the continued harassment they face in their daily lives and freedom of movement, are deeply concerning."
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Syrian Kurds renew autonomy push after failed Damascus talks
DAMASCUS: Syrian Kurdish leaders have reiterated demands for autonomy following unsuccessful negotiations with the central government, exposing persistent divisions over power-sharing in the war-torn nation. The Kurdish-led administration issued a statement on Sunday advocating for 'a pluralistic democratic system, social justice, gender equality, and a constitution that guarantees the rights of all components' of society. The latest appeal comes days after Damascus dismissed proposals for decentralisation during high-level talks involving US envoy Tom Barrack. The Syrian government insists on integrating Kurdish forces into its national army, rejecting what it terms 'any form of division or federalisation.' Mazloum Abdi of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and interim Kurdish leader Ahmed al-Sharaa initially agreed in March to merge Kurdish institutions with state structures. However, disagreements over autonomy provisions have stalled progress. The Kurds administer large areas of northern Syria, including key oil and gas resources, bolstered by US-led coalition support during the anti-ISIS campaign. Ambassador Barrack acknowledged the SDF's counterterrorism contributions but urged alignment with Damascus, stating the 'only future path for them is Syria's central government.' Kurdish officials counter that decades of centralized rule fueled inequality and conflict, advocating instead for a 'decentralised Syria that embraces all its people equally.' - AFP
