Latest news with #SDF-Damascus
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Erdogan says Kurdish SDF 'stalling' despite integration deal with Damascus
ANKARA (Reuters) -Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the Kurdish-dominated and U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were using "stalling tactics" despite an agreement with the new Syrian government for the group's integration into Syrian armed forces. Speaking to reporters on a flight from Azerbaijan, Erdogan repeated Turkey's position that Syria's unity and territorial integrity must be preserved, saying the SDF-Damascus deal must be implemented in the agreed and planned timeline. "We had said before we welcomed the agreement. But we see that the Syrian Democratic Forces are still continuing their stalling tactics. They must stop this," he was cited as saying by his office on Thursday.
Rudaw Net
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
SDF to hand over 200 Iraqi ISIS members to Baghdad
Also in Syria Intra-Kurdish conference to be held in Rojava Friday SDF, Syrian forces begin joint oversight of Kurdish-majority neighborhoods in Aleppo SDF-Damascus deal vital for Syria's future: Rojava's US rep Syria needs sanctions lifted for economic recovery: former UN official A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Baghdad is set to receive 200 Iraqi nationals affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), along with three separate batches of the group's family members. Rudaw has learned that the handover agreement was signed on January 11 in the presence of two officers from the US-led coalition against ISIS. Iraq's migration and displaced ministry and the Nineveh Provincial Council both confirmed the agreement but clarified that the matter falls outside their jurisdictions. 'We are aware of such an agreement, but we have no information about whether these wanted individuals have been handed over. This issue is not under our ministry's purview and lies with other authorities,' Ali Abbas, spokesperson for the migration and displaced ministry, told Rudaw on Monday. Mohammed Kakayi, head of the security committee in the Nineveh Provincial Council, stated that the detainees would be repatriated directly to Baghdad and would not pass through Mosul. 'This matter falls under the authority of the Iraqi intelligence agency. The ISIS fighters are handed over directly to them,' he explained. Thousands of individuals with suspected ISIS ties are held in SDF-controlled al-Hol and Roj camps in northeast Syria's (Rojava) Hasaka province. Al-Hol is the larger of the two, currently housing 34,927 ISIS-linked individuals. Of these, 15,681 are Iraqis, 15,861 are Syrians, and 6,385 are foreigners, according to data obtained by Rudaw English from Sheikhmous Ahmed, supervisor of refugee and IDP camps in northeast Syria. The families are typically transferred to al-Jada camp south of Mosul, where they undergo rehabilitation and reintegration programs supervised by the Iraqi migration and displaced ministry. However, the 200 detainees set to be transferred in this instance are ISIS fighters specifically requested by Baghdad due to their direct involvement in attacks against Iraqi civilians and security forces. Since 2014, thousands of individuals have been detained across Iraq for alleged links to ISIS. Hundreds have been executed. Human rights groups have criticized the judicial process, citing forced confessions, a lack of investigation into specific crimes such as genocide, and the exclusion of victims from the proceedings. ISIS captured vast swathes of northern and central Iraq in 2014, but the group's so-called caliphate was dismantled in 2017 after Iraqi and Kurdish forces, with support from a US.-led international coalition, retook the territory. Hastyar Qadir contributed to this report.
Rudaw Net
13-04-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
SDF, Syrian forces begin joint oversight of Kurdish-majority neighborhoods in Aleppo
Also in Syria SDF-Damascus deal vital for Syria's future: Rojava's US rep Syria needs sanctions lifted for economic recovery: former UN official SDF chief, gov't envoy discuss implementing SDF-Damascus deal Syrian Kurds in talks with Damascus over future of key dam A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Damascus-aligned forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Sunday began to jointly manage security in Kurdish-majority neighbourhoods of northern Aleppo, marking a significant step in a wider deal to integrate the Kurdish-led force into Syria's state institutions. The coordinated effort saw the two sides begin 'removing barriers and checkpoints on the streets of the two [Kurdish majority] neighborhoods' of Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiyeh, as well as 'other neighborhoods across Aleppo,' according to the SDF-affiliated Hawar News Agency. The development follows a 14-point agreement signed in early April between the Syrian leadership and the SDF. The deal covers a prisoner swap and outlines a framework for joint security oversight in Aleppo, including in Kurdish-majority neighborhoods that were previously under the control of the People's Protection Units (YPG). The YPG, which represents the backbone of the SDF, has begun withdrawing from the area in accordance with the deal. Two groups of YPG fighters, 400 on April 4 and another 500 on April 9, have reportedly exited the neighborhoods. The deal has also facilitated the exchange of 243 detainees from both sides. Notably, the April agreement builds on a landmark deal signed in early March between Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF chief Mazloum Abdi signed to 'integrate all civil and military institutions in northeast Syria [Rojava] under the administration of the Syrian state, including border crossings, the [Qamishli International] Airport, and oil and gas fields.' The agreement emphasizes that 'the Kurdish community is indigenous to the Syrian state, which ensures this community's right to citizenship and all of its constitutional rights.' It further calls to implement a ceasefire across all Syrian territories and ensure the return of all displaced Syrians to their towns and villages.
Rudaw Net
13-04-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
37 Kurds run for Finnish local elections
Also in World China well-prepared to counter Trump's tariff strategy: Researcher Iran's FM heads to Oman with 'key proposals' for talks with US US maintains non-recognition of any entity as the Syrian government: Spox Russia welcomes advancement of SDF-Damascus relations: Spox A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Thirty-seven candidates of Kurdish background are running in Finland's county and municipal elections on Sunday, with over 20,000 Kurds expected to cast their votes. 'Voting is not just a right; it is also a social duty,' Welat Nehri, former president of the Federation of Kurdish Associations in Finland, told Rudaw's Diaspora program during a debate on Friday. The Kurdish candidates span the center-to-left political spectrum in Finland: 18 are running on a Social Democratic Party ticket, six with the National Coalition Party, five with the Left Alliance, three with the Swedish People's Party, two with the Green Party, one with the Christian Democrats, and two with the Centre Party. Among the candidates, 22 are men and 15 are women. Nehri stated that Kurds in Finland are considered an 'active and successful community.' 'But we must do even more to secure our future,' he added. Key campaign themes include cultural recognition, political participation, expanded local welfare services, and the promotion of social justice. 'When we become a political force - when we have political capital within this country and among the ranks of political parties - we will be taken into account at decision-making levels,' said Majid Haqqi, an expert on elections and the Kurdish diaspora in Finland. Haqqi warned that abstention could lead to gains for far-right parties. 'Silence helps those who want to exclude us,' he said. 'The far-right wants immigrants to stay silent. Our votes are our loudest protest against their racism.' Shahen Zada Ahmed, a Social Democratic candidate in the southwestern city of Turku, echoed Haqqi's sentiments. 'The left has always stood with oppressed nations. As Kurds, we naturally align with parties that fight for justice,' she said, adding that 'this election is not just a competition, but a revolution in Kurdish political engagement.' "If you don't like my program, vote for another Kurdish candidate - but don't waste your vote. Participation is power,' she added. Also speaking during the debate, Shina Rezavi, a specialist in refugee affairs and human rights, emphasized the importance of representation. 'When Kurds enter decision-making spaces, our community's struggles are heard. Representation changes everything.' Candidates also highlighted their stances on human rights and equality. 'Women's rights are human rights. The Kurdish women's struggle inspires me to fight for equality here in Finland,' said Shayda Sohrabi, who is running with the National Coalition Party. 'Many victims of human trafficking don't know their rights because of language barriers. We need services in their mother tongues,' Rezavi added. 'When a refugee is exploited at work, it's not just their problem—it weakens labor rights for all Finns.' Panelists also discussed the importance of local-level social services. 'Kurdish mothers who can't speak Finnish still understand when their children's schools are underfunded. That's why local elections matter,' said Haqqi. 'Local elections shape daily life—schools, healthcare, jobs. Kurds must engage at every level of politics,' he added. Meanwhile, Nehri noted that "our children must understand: voting isn't just about today, it's about securing their future in this country.' The candidates also spoke about integration, noting that Kurds have successfully converged into Finnish culture. "When I walk through Helsinki's streets campaigning, I don't see just Kurds or Finns - I see neighbors who all deserve dignity," Sohrbai noted, explaining that she sees herself as a 'proud Kurd and a proud Finn' at the same time. 'We don't have to choose - we can be both,' she added. Meanwhile, Zada Ahmed stressed that multiculturalism 'is not Finland's weakness but its superpower in the 21st century.' According to a March 25 press release from the Finnish Ministry of Justice, voters in the county elections will choose councillors responsible for organizing health, social, and rescue services in the wellbeing services counties. In the municipal elections, they will elect councillors to manage the activities and finances of their municipalities.
Rudaw Net
13-04-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
SDF-Damascus deal vital for Syria's future: Rojava's US rep
Also in Syria Syria needs sanctions lifted for economic recovery: former UN official SDF chief, gov't envoy discuss implementing SDF-Damascus deal Syrian Kurds in talks with Damascus over future of key dam Syria asks UN Security Council to stop Israeli strikes A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Damascus is an important step towards Syria's future, a northeast Syria (Rojava) representative to Washington told Rudaw, adding that the United States government is critical about the new Syrian authorities' history of extremism. 'The deal between the SDF and Damascus is important. First, to prevent another domestic conflict among Syrians—we oppose that. And second, to begin preparing a real solution for Syria's future. We know a military option cannot bring this solution,' said Sinam Mohammed, the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) representative to Washington, told Rudaw in an interview on Thursday. The SDC is the political wing of the SDF. According to Mohammed, the agreement has generated cautious optimism among Syrians. 'All Syrians are hopeful for the deal,' she said. 'It has brought some relief, and recognition for all peoples, including the Kurds.' On March 10, Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi signed a political agreement that integrates the SDF into the Syrian state apparatus. The deal includes recognition of the Kurdish population as a core component of Syria, a nationwide ceasefire, and the return of displaced people to their homes. The Kurds, however, are unhappy about key decisions being made in Damascus and Mohammed said Washington has similar concerns. Sharaa - formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani - and his Islamist group Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which the US has designated a terrorist group, led a coalition of armed opposition factions that overthrew Bashar al-Assad's regime. He is now leading the interim government and has appointed a cabinet. 'The US government knows the history of the government in Syria,' said Mohammed, noting that concerns remain in Washington about the nature of the groups forming the government. 'Their past shows that they are radicals and extremists, and cannot bring peace to Syria and all Syrian people,' she said. According to Mohammed, the United States has consistently emphasized that any future Syrian government must reflect the country's diverse makeup and protect the rights of all its communities. 'It was a condition that the Syrian government must include all components of society,' she said. 'The US says Alawites, Christians, Druze, and others must have their rights guaranteed.' 'They also warned that Islamic extremist ideology must not be allowed to grow. They've seen what happened to the Alawites,' Mohammed said. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has documented the deaths of around 1,500 people—mostly Alawite civilians—in early March violence that erupted after Assad loyalists staged an insurgency in coastal areas but were met with a violent crackdown by Damascus-affiliated forces. 'A new government must be formed that represents all groups and ensures that everyone's rights are protected,' Mohammed said. 'This is important for us—and for the US, too.'
