Weekly highlights 23-29.03.2026

📌 Tense Newroz amid Changes
Newroz was celebrated by Kurds across Syria, including in Damascus were people are trying out how much room there really is for Kurds under al-Sharaa. Unfortunately it has also gone paired with violence, after an incident where a man in Kobane took down a Syrian flag, ethnic violence was sparked, mostly in Afrin, and by arab tribes south of Kobane. In response people in Heseke and Qamishlo took to the streets, which led to increased Asayiş presences in these major cities. The comments of al-Hilali on this situation, spokesperson of the Syrian Presidential Team leading the integration process, emphasize the contradictions that still stand in the way of integration. He stressed their committment to integration, but also emphasized that there is no place for YPJ in the army and that no parallel structures such as DAANES or Asayis will exist after the completion of the process.

📌 Iranian drones on Syria
Drones launched by shia militias in Irak had been targeting positions on Syria, including the american base of Qesrik near Hassakah, where US air defenses repelled a heavy drone attack recently. Iran also thretened to attack hotels in Damascus where US citizens are hosted. Kamikaze drones also targeted several locations in the Kurdish region of Iraq, including US bases and also the residence of Masoud Barzani.

📌 KCK disapproves Turkish Parliament Report
The Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) expressed strong disagreement and criticism on the report from the Turkish Parliament. The report “National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission” is supposed to be part of the peace process between the PKK and Turkish state, working towards democratic and diplomatic solutions instead of armed struggle. The KCK points out that the parliament refuses to acknowledge the Kurdish issue within Turkey, while at the same time using rethoric of democracy and willingness. This aligns with the feeling many Kurds and supporters have had about this process, namely that the PKK has made significant steps towards peaceful democratic solutions, while the Turkish state continues its oppression of Kurdish people.

📌 Israel Continues Provocations in Quneitra
On the 27th of March Israeli forces carried out an incursion on the ground to a village in Quneitra. Similar operations have been happening recently, as well as arrests of civilians by the Israeli army on Syrian territory, and setting up of check-points. While the new Syrian Government holds some strong rethoric against Israel, when it comes to action on the ground the STG comes out a toothless, allowing a long string of violations of Syrias territorial integrity to placate Israel.

📌 Captured YPJ fighters freed after prisoner swap
2 Arab YPJ fighters captured by HTS forces in Deir Ezzor last January had been set free with the ongoing prisoner swaps between SDF and the forces of the transitional government. The case spread in media after a video was published in social networks with the 2 YPJ fighter being presented as a "gift" to “Abu Mujahid”. In a recent interview with Narîn Axîn, back in her YPJ uniform, she commented on their capture and release, reaffirming her will to continue struggling for the women's revolution back on the ranks of YPJ.

📌 UN efforts in Syria
UN is consolidating relations with the Syria Transitional Government. In a recent meeting between Syria’s Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Hind Kabawat, with Nathalie Fustier, the acting Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for UN operations in Syria, they discussed expanding cooperation on humanitarian and social programs. Syria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates also welcomed the UN investigation report on Suweida, where the UN final report praised the transparency that the government demonstrated, giving unprecedented access to Syrian territory and institutions to the UN investigation commission.