Latest from Rudaw Net
Rudaw Net
8 hours 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
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Deadly violence in Suwayda draws UN, Kurdish reactions
Also in Syria 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 Rojava ruling party rejects Damascus 'integration' as bid to 'dismantle' institutions A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Deadly clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druze fighters in Syria's Druze-majority Suwayda province have left at least 99 people dead, prompting urgent calls for calm and accountability from the United Nations and Kurdish-led authorities in northeast Syria (Rojava). In a statement on X, the UN's Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, Najat Rochdi, expressed 'deep concern over reports of violence and abductions' in Suwayda, 'which have resulted in significant casualties.' She called on the 'interim authorities [in Damascus] and local stakeholders to take immediate steps to protect civilians, restore calm, and prevent incitement,' stressing 'the urgent need for genuine inclusion, trust-building, and meaningful dialogue' to support Syria's political transition. Rising death toll The UN's remarks come as intense clashes raged on between Bedouin tribes and Druze fighters in Syria's southern Suwayda province for the second day on Monday. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that at least 99 people have been killed, including 60 Druze locals, among them two women and two children, and 18 Bedouins. The casualties also include 14 Syrian defense ministry personnel and seven unidentified individuals in military attire, according to the UK-based war monitor. Amid the fighting, SOHR also reported sightings of an Israeli warplane over Suwayda, which dropped thermal balloons - typically used for surveillance or decoy purposes. Later, the Israeli military's Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee confirmed that Israeli forces had struck several tanks heading toward Suwayda to "impede their arrival' to the Druze-majority province. 'The presence of such assets in southern Syria could pose a threat to the State of Israel,' Adraee stated, adding that Israel 'will not allow a military threat to exist in southern Syria.' Israel has in recent months reiterated its commitment to protecting the Druze community in Syria, with whom it says it shares 'strong ties.' Moreover, it has repeatedly acted to prevent the establishment of any significant military presence in southern Syria near its border, citing security concerns. Meanwhile, the Syrian defense ministry expressed dismay over the "unfortunate clashes" in Suwayda, attributing the violence to a "direct result of the institutional and administrative vacuum" plaguing the region. In a statement relayed by the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) quoted the ministry spokesperson Hassan Abdul Ghani as confirming the deployment of reinforcements to Suwayda, who were reportedly attacked by "outlaw armed groups," resulting in the deaths of 18 officers. He vowed the defense ministry's resolve to "end these futile clashes and pursue the outlaw groups," assuring Suwayda's residents that their "safety, dignity, and livelihoods' would be preserved. SANA also quoted the Syrian interior ministry as noting the deployment of its security forces and military units to Suwayda as well and underscoring its role in "maintaining security and protecting civilians without bias.' The ministry urged all sides to exercise "national responsibility' and stressed that disputes "must be resolved through state institutions and the judiciary.' Underlying tensions Suwayda24, a local outlet focused on southern Syria's Druze-majority Suwayda province, on Sunday cited local security officials as linking the violence to 'a recent robbery on the Damascus-Suwayda road, which targeted a businessman,' sparking a series of retaliatory kidnappings between the two communities. Later in the day, SANA reported that internal security forces from neighboring Daraa province had launched an 'organized security deployment along the administrative borders' with Suwayda, with aims of 'preventing the violence from spreading and to contain any fallout that could impact stability, especially in eastern rural Daraa.' Suwayda Governor Mustapha al-Bakkour on the same day appealed for calm, urging all sides to 'exercise self-restraint and respond to national calls for reform.' Several Druze spiritual leaders echoed his call, demanding de-escalation and intervention from Damascus to restore order. The current hostilities mark the most significant outbreak of deadly violence in Suwayda since earlier this year, when clashes between Druze groups and Damascus-affiliated security forces resulted in dozens of casualties. While local leaders are reportedly attempting to mediate the current situation, no official intervention has yet been announced. Kurdish reactions The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northeast Syria (Rojava) on Monday condemned 'the ongoing attacks and aggressions targeting the villages and towns' of Suwayda, '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 Suwayda, along with the continued harassment they face in their daily lives and freedom of movement, are deeply concerning,' the SDF said. The US-backed SDF serves as the de facto army in Rojava. The SDF's political arm, the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), expressed "deep concern" over the rapidly unfolding events in Suwayda, warning they "pose a serious threat to civil peace and the fabric of national unity." The SDC linked the escalation to the "ongoing absence of a just and comprehensive political solution" for Syria. The Council further condemned 'the involvement of some elements from the Syrian regime's security apparatus' and their role 'in fueling the internal conflict." It also cautioned against "sectarian rhetoric and hate speech."
Rudaw Net
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
President Barzani, US coalition commander talk regional security, Peshmerga reform
Also in Kurdistan Kurdish parties push for unity amid financial standoff with Baghdad KDP, PUK top-level delegations meet to discuss new cabinet, Baghdad disputes Suicide drone shot down near Erbil airport: Kurdish counterterrorism KDP, PUK leaders to meet over Erbil-Baghdad tensions, KRG cabinet formation A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met on Monday with Major General Kevin Leahy, commander of the US-led Global Coalition to Defeat the Islamic State (ISIS), to discuss political and security developments in Iraq and the Region, as well as Peshmerga reforms and the need for continued coordination among Iraqi, Kurdish, and Coalition forces. The discussions, which included the Region's Peshmerga minister and chief of staff, and the US consul general, saw President Barzani express his 'appreciation for the contributions of the international coalition in supporting Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in their battle against terrorism,' according to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency. He further 'commended General Leahy for his efforts and support in the reform process and the unification of the Peshmerga.' The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has been working to unify its military forces under the Peshmerga Ministry. This effort involves integrating the powerful Unit 70 and Unit 80 - affiliated with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), respectively - into a single chain of command. Together, these units make up the majority of the Peshmerga forces, totaling over 100,000 troops. The initiative has received steady support from international allies, especially the United States and the US-led Global Coalition against ISIS. In early July, Babakir Zebari, an advisor to the Region's presidency and former chief of staff of Iraq's Army, told Rudaw that the long-anticipated unification of the Peshmerga forces is in its final phase and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. 'We are working on force unification and brigade formation,' Zebari said. 'So far, ten brigades have been formed. We are now on the final one, and the process will be completed this year. All forces will be unified,' he emphasized. The sides discussed 'the political and security dynamics in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, as well as Erbil-Baghdad relations. Discussions also covered progress on Peshmerga reform and unification efforts, and the ongoing threat of terrorism and ISIS activity in Iraq and Syria,' the statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency said on Monday. President Barzani and Major General Leahy also discussed the ongoing threat of ISIS in Iraq and Syria and emphasized 'the need for continued coordination and cooperation among the Iraqi army, the Peshmerga, and international coalition forces.' The meeting also touched on 'the situation in Syria, focusing on the Kurds and local communities, recent developments in the region, and their implications for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region,' the statement concluded, highlighting 'the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East.'
Rudaw Net
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Iran expands crackdown on alleged spies, collaborators with Israel, US
Also in Iran Trump says scheduled new nuclear talks with Iran Pezeshkian accuses Israel of assasination attempt, 'destroying' US-Iran diplomacy Iran arrests 900 since start of Israel war: watchdog Surge in Iran's deportation of Afghans sparks 'scapegoating' fears after Israel conflict A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iran's judiciary chief on Monday ordered expedited handling of espionage cases involving alleged collaboration with Israel and the United States, following a legislative move by Iran's parliament to expand the definition of espionage and increase penalties - up to and including execution. Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, head of Iran's judiciary, directed authorities to resolve cases 'linked to the aggressive Zionist regime' with maximum speed, precision, and legal rigor. 'Part of the deterrence in this matter lies in the speed of action,' Ejei said, according to the judiciary-run Mizan news agency. Iran's chief justice further urged officials and state media to foster national unity, warning that 'the enemy seriously pursues psychological warfare against the Iranian people' and accusing Israel of spreading disinformation through 'rumor-mongers, liars, and satanic individuals' in order to fracture societal cohesion. Ejei's remarks came one day after Iran's parliament passed amendments to its espionage laws, dramatically expanding the definition of hostile acts and stipulating capital punishment for a broad array of offenses involving cooperation with countries defined as enemies - including Israel and the United States. According to the state-run IRNA news agency, the revised law punishes 'any operational action' against Iran's security or national interests - including espionage or intelligence work for Israel, the US, or affiliated groups - with 'execution and property confiscation.' It further notes that "any security, military, economic, financial, technological action, or any direct or indirect assistance that leads to the strengthening, consolidation, or legitimization of the Zionist regime shall be punishable by execution and confiscation of property' as well. Additionally, revised bill broadens death penalty criteria to include "manufacturing... or using firearms, cold weapons, or unconventional weapons" and "any cyber warfare" carried out "to cooperate with the Zionist regime or hostile governments or groups." The amendments tighten control over information sharing, stating that "sending films, images, or information to hostile media or foreign networks... if contrary to national security" will result in fifth-degree discretionary imprisonment - typically involves a prison term of 2 to 5 years - and permanent dismissal from public service. Furthermore, unauthorized satellite internet tools, such as Starlink, are now explicitly banned. The legislative and judicial crackdown comes weeks after tensions between Israel and Iran escalated on June 13, when Israeli airstrikes in Iran killed senior military commanders and nuclear scientists. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel. The conflict widened on June 22 when the United States struck three key Iranian nuclear sites. Tehran retaliated by launching a missile strike on a US base in Qatar. A ceasefire, brokered by Washington, took effect on June 24 and appears to be holding. Importantly, between June 13 and July 5, amid the Israel-Iran conflict, Iranian authorities arrested at least 900 people for alleged espionage and propaganda, according to the Oslo-based Hengaw Human Rights Organization. Authorities have also carried out multiple executions of individuals accused of spying for Israel and released video confessions from several of them. However, human rights groups question the legitimacy of these confessions, citing Iran's long-documented use of coercion, psychological abuse, and torture to extract admissions.
Rudaw Net
15 hours ago
- Business
- Rudaw Net
Kurdish parties push for unity amid financial standoff with Baghdad
Also in Kurdistan KDP, PUK top-level delegations meet to discuss new cabinet, Baghdad disputes Suicide drone shot down near Erbil airport: Kurdish counterterrorism KDP, PUK leaders to meet over Erbil-Baghdad tensions, KRG cabinet formation KRG meets to resolve financial disputes with Baghdad A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Top delegations from the Kurdistan Region's ruling parties met Monday in Erbil's Pirmam district to solidify a united stance on key issues - chief among them, the long-running dispute with Baghdad over public sector salaries and financial entitlements. In a joint statement, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) said the meeting was chaired by preeminent Kurdish leader and KDP head Masoud Barzani, with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and PUK leader Bafel Talabani also in attendance. The discussions spanned political, economic, and social issues, with both parties committing to a unified strategy 'to intensify efforts' and 'ensure the provision of salaries and entitlements for the Kurdistan Region.' The statement stressed that all necessary steps should be taken within the constitutional framework, and urged collaborative efforts toward a resolution. Tensions between Erbil and Baghdad deepened in late May when the Iraqi federal finance ministry suspended budget transfers to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), accusing it of exceeding its 12.67 percent share of the federal budget and failing to deliver the agreed-upon oil quota to the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO). The halt has left more than 1.2 million public servants in the Kurdistan Region unpaid for over two months. The joint statement also highlighted efforts to strengthen ties between the KDP and PUK to overcome internal challenges and safeguard the Kurdistan Region's political framework and gains. A well-informed source told Rudaw earlier in the day that the meeting underscored the need for a unified Kurdish stance, saying, "It underscored the importance of unifying the position of all political parties in Kurdistan and Iraq to be cooperative and supportive in resolving this issue." The high-level meeting notably followed a special session of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Council of Ministers held Sunday to address the worsening financial crisis. On Saturday as well, the KDP issued a warning, saying it would give Baghdad a 'final chance' to resolve the ongoing budget dispute. In addition to the Baghdad-Erbil standoff, Monday's talks also focused on the upcoming Iraqi legislative elections scheduled for November 11 and the delay in forming the KRG's tenth cabinet. Rudaw learned earlier on Monday that both the KDP and PUK had prepared draft proposals on the formation of the new cabinet to be presented during the meeting. The Region held delayed parliamentary elections in October, with the KDP winning 39 of the 100 seats, followed by the PUK with 23. As no single party secured a majority, a governing coalition will need to be formed, as has traditionally been the case. In late June, Prime Minister Barzani said the KDP and PUK had agreed on a cabinet agenda and that other parties were welcome to join. However, nearly nine months after the vote, no final agreement on the new cabinet has been reached.
