Anarchist report from NES

💬Evaluation

As some form of evaluation today, we share a short statement of the Kurdish National Council (KNK) about the ongoing events and their demands to the international community.

We also wanted to share some pages of analysis from Zahe Baher, a Kurdish anarchist living in UK, that reflects about the ongoing situation in northern Syria. We may have different political perspectives on some points, but we consider important to also give space to Kurdish anarchists in these channels

Highlights 25-26.01.26

📌Fragile ceasfire
The extension of the ceasefire is preventing major military conflict. Still, clashes and attacks are taking place in the front-lines. Mazlum Abdi made public declarations explaining how negotiations are ongoing and SDF is ready to start implementing the agreements, where among other things include that STG forces won't enter Kurdish cities.

- Clashes outskirts of Kobane, at least 4 armored vehicles of the STG destroyed by SDF after they tried to advance in Celebiye. Clashes in the Lafarge concrete plant, south of Kobane, allegedly captured by STG forces today.

- Clashes at Cil Axa, an Arab village, on the strategic road from Qamishlo to Derik. The SDF supressed the attack.

- Clashes southern HSK, in the rural regions of the mountains of Abd al Aziz (Ciya Qezwana). Recently Turkish drones struck positions in that area, where the SDF has a strong presence.

📌Aid convoy in Kobane humanitarian corridors
A convoy of 24 vehicles with food and other basic needs entered Kobane to assist those in need. Plans for humanitarian corridors to Kobane and to HSK are being displayed on Syrian State media, promising aid and evacuation of civilians to STG controlled areas.

📌Russian Forces Left Qamishlo Base
After contradictory reports of reinforcements and departure of Russian forces in Qamishlo, a reporter of al-monitor published a video from inside the empty Russian base, confirming their departure. Reportedly they left to their Khmeimim base near the Mediterranean sea. It is likely the Russians left on request of the STG. Previously the base function as a coordination point for joint patrols and as a shield for AANES against the Turkish state, because of shifting imperialist interests, specifically from the USA, the base has now lost its tactical relevance.

💥 And the last thing for today is this statement of TA "To the public opinion" that was published few days ago:

We also wanted to share an article reflecting about Rojava and the lessons it brings for the Kurdish people in a general sense. It is important to consider that this was published in Rudaw, that is the main media connected to the KRG (Basur).

Partly, it reflects how the ongoing relations of the last decade between Rojava and Basur are opening important debates about the need for political unity of the Kurdish people:
https://www.rudaw.net/english/opinion/23012026

💬 Evaluation:

We are very much on edge, not able to take a step back to evaluate all things that are happening. Still, we want to share some lines with you.

We won't extend now on what happened the last week, but we will briefly look at the current situation. We are now presented with a 15 days extension of the ongoing ceasefire, allegedly to ensure safe transport of the ISIS fighters to secure prisons in Iraq. Authorities of the DAANES have been demanding solutions for those prisoners for almost a decade, and now that US saw how those prisons will end up in hands of the STG, they rushed to evacuate the prisoners to Iraq. US even made statements blaming the SDF of being unreliable, acusing them of abondoning the prison security in al-Hol when STG forces were already assaulting the ISIS prison of Raqqa. Hipocrisy is a word that is too small for what US is doing. But let's not get lost on that and see what's on the ground.

Kobane is now under a brutal siege, with an extreme cold winter that brought snow all over Rojava. Several kids died from cold, since there is no electricity and no gasoline to ignite the stoves. Many people of the surrounding villages are escaping the artillery fire and assaults of STG forces, looking for shelter in the city of Kobane. Many refugees are sleeping in schools and improvised shelters, at temperatures below 0. The extension of the ceasefire may seem like good news, but people of Kobane are in dire need of humanitarian corridors where suplies can enter.

Unfortunately, STG forces and Turkey will probably use this siege to open corridors, not to bring supplies, but to evacuate civilians out of Kobane. That would make it easier for military forces to attack and asediate the city. Kobane is the symbol of resistance, the breaking point where the victory against ISIS started. They are eager to erase it, as a way to break the will of the revolution. We will closely following the situation there.

In the Cizire canton, major tensions are on the military build-up around Hasakah. So far, STG took over most Arab-majority areas, while DAANES are still in the main Kurdish populated places. Hasakah is the province's capital, and in many ways has been functioning as an administrative center for the region. Situated on the outskirts of the Kurdish majority areas, with also a big Arab population, this city is becoming the critical point of the ceasefire negotiations. STG forces are trying to cut the road between Hasakah and Qamishlo, controlling supply routes, but also cutting off the way for possible reinforcements.

Things don't look good, but the spirit of resistance is high. How the next 15 days of ceasefire will develop will determine the future of NES. It can move towards negotiated integration or to total war, and we need to be ready for both.

Revolutionary greetings! 🖤

Highlights 23-24.01.26

📌15 Days Ceasefire Extension
Today, Saturday January 24, the original ceasefire officially ends. All day, people have been observing the situation tense to see what will happen next. Throughout the day various claims have been circulating, on the one hand that the ceasefire would be extended, on the other that the STG does not agree with an extension. Finally it was made official that the ceasefire is extended for 15 days to transfer ISIS prisoners out of Syria, and with pressure on AANES to integrate into the Syrian state.
So far, some 150 mid/high-level ISIS prisoners have been transferred by the US from AANES to Iraq. Bagdad urges European state to repatriate their nationals.
Despite, STG forces continues to violate the ceasefire agreement including further attacks and preparatory military movement, with heavy military build up around the city of Hasakah.

📌Dire Situation in Kobanê
Because of the siege of Kobanê there is a growing shortage of food, water and fuel in the city. Additionally, the city got covered in snow. Heyva Sor reports 5 children have died in these harsh conditions. Heyva sor submitted an urgent appeal to the UN and the AANES made a call for humanitarian aid as well. UN official Farhan Haq is in contact with the STG to potentially send humanitarian aid, the UN also stated it wants to do more assesments of the situation. Until now no humanitarian aid has come to Kobanê.
On the 23rd it was reported that an SDF convoy reached Kobanê, with no further details of size known. In Kobane region and elsewhere, many residents of NES were internally displaced and seek shelter in the cities still under AANES governance.

📌Attacks on Kurdish Demonstrations in Europe
At a demonstration in Antwerp 6 people were injured, of which 2 heavily, because of a knife attack, all are in the hospital. Kurdish sources report that the perpetrators were salafists. In Hannover, a young man departing a demonstration carrying a YPG flag too has been stabbed. Outside of direct attacks, there have been many provocations made by outsiders attempting to de-rail the Kurdish demonstrations across European cities.

📌International Support for Rojava
In many countries, in different shapes and forms, support for Rojava is growing. In addition to demonstrations and actions there are also many organizations and politicians voicing their concerns. Basque trade union ELA expressed their solidarity and denounced the European silence. Activists of Abya Yala came together in Bogota, discussed and planned a week of action. A Catalan MP made a speech in parliament to draw attention to the issue, an MP of the Uruguayan parliament also took this issue up in a speech. At least 10 members of the European Parliament from various countries raised the issue. Some Druze leaders have also expressed their support.

Civilians are scared by this. At the same time, there are several tribes changing sides, leaving SDF to join STG.

📌Syrian Army Advances Remind of Past Jihadist Aggressions
SDF posted a video alledgedly showing SDF fighters beign beheaded by the Syrian army. Some rhetoric of Syrian officials and treatments of SDF captives are a reminder of past behaviour of Al-Qaeda and ISIS in their cruelty.

📌Druze in Suweida Rise Up
Seizing the moment where STG is busy fighting the SDF in NES, Druze in Suweida, Southern Syria, call to take up arms again to push back against the STG forces in solidarity with the resistance in NES.

📌Protests Gain Traction
In various cities all around Europe thousands take to the street regularly protesting the attacks. Kurdish unity is strengthened with KRG (Kurdistan-Iraq) flags displayed alongside YPG/YPJ flags, as well as material help from KRG coming into Rojava. In Davos, where heads of states are meeting for the world economic forum, people protested against the invitation of Syrian transitional president Al Sharaa. In Turkey, at the border to NES, protesters are met with brutal violence, including beatings, water canons and even life ammunition. Thousands were protesting in Nusaybin, on the Turkish border next to NES. Many were arrested, including journalists. Despite repressions, a vigil is maintained at the border.

📌Growing Concerns For Shengal
The Yezidi population of Shengal has expressed its worries for their safety with the growing tension in the region, and specifically the escaped/released ISIS prisoners. The Yezidi population faced genocide at the hands of ISIS in 2013. Some families have fled or are preparing to flee toward Duhok, Kurdistan-Iraq. The Iraqi Ministry of Defense has deployed additional forces to the Iraq-Syria border and the the 74th Brigade of Hashd al-Shaabi (shia militias) sent forces to the Shengal border for security purpose, to protect civilians and ensure security.

📌Turkey Among Those Joining Trump's 'Board of Peace'
Trump basically seeks replace the UN with his own version of a 'Board of Peace' that suits his own interests to allegedly find a peace deal for Palestine. Turkey, alongside Middle Eastern and Central Asian states such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, UAE, Pakistan, and Indonesia joins Trump's efforts.

Highlights 21-22.01.26


📌New ceasfire - Multiple Violations
On January 20th, a 4-day ceasfire was anounced. The Syrian Transitional Government (STG) announced that during this time they will not advance further into Heseke or Qamishlo. The ceasfire is presented as a time given to SDF to discuss the proposal of the STG for dissolution of SDF, the intergration of SDF territories into Syria, and for its fighters to join the ranks of the new Syrian Army on individual basis.
The ceasefire is not fully respected by STG and SNA fighters who continue attacks, but is has halted the advances of the STG. So far though, there is not an outlook for a more peaceful solution after the 4 days end. In various villages though, spread over the current frontline, there are attacks by the Syrian army. Two Turkish drone strikes hit one internal security forces (Asayish) point and a hospital in Qamishli. At least 6 violations from STG of the ceasefire were reported within the first 19 hours by the SDF press office.

📌Civilians Take Up Arms
The existential threat NES is facing as a whole, moves many families and individuals to pick up arms and take their place in the defense of their homes and cities. Many have joined YPG/YPJ, neighborhood watches, etc. The mobilization is called for by the SDF, but the society-wide response is voluntary.

📌Besieged Kobane
Kobane is besieged with either Turkish or Syrian enemy on all sides. Water, basic food supplies, electricity, and internet are completely cut off. Meanwhile, Turkey moves heavy artillery, tanks, and troops to the border, right next to Kobane. In Pirsus, just across the border, protestors have gathered in support.

📌Al Ya'rubiah
STG advances Al Yarubiah at the border of NES to Kurdistan-Iraq after SDF had to withdraw. Syrian state aligned media claim that an ammunition depot exploded on STG soldiers because the SDF mined it while withdrawing. The SDF says this is a misleading claim, and that they did not carry out such an operation. The SDF-press statement says that "According to confirmed information available to us, the explosion resulted from an accident during the transfer of ammunition by Damascus factions, and our forces have no connection to it whatsoever."

📌SDF Withdrawal from Al-Hol Camp
Because of lack of support from the international coalition, the SDF could no longer ensure the security of al-Hol camp. The Ministry of Interior of STG Declare Al Hol Camp as "Restricted Area". The current state of the camp in unclear, with some allegations of STG forces letting people leave the camp, others saying that there are clashes.

📌Released ISIS Members
RIC reports that there are reports of ISIS detainees being released from at least four prisons now in control of the STG, with detainees of two additional prisons also being led out but the affiliation of these prisoners cannot be confirmed at this time. These prisons house tens of thousands of ISIS members. They could pose a serious threat to the security of civilians in NES. Where all these prisoners went is unclear. Though Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) say to have caputred Mahmoud Hassan al-Jubouri, a high-ranking ISIS member while he attempted to cross from Syria into Iraq.
To prevent ISIS from regrouping, US organises the transfer of up to 7,000 ISIS prisoners from NES to Iraq. About 150 detainees have already been transferred. This follows a conversation between al Sharaa and US admiral Brad Cooper.
With Raqqa taken over by STG and Al Aqtaan prison besieged for days, a safe corridor is now demanded for the remaining SDF fighters who kept the position defending the prison of falling into Syrian army hands, thus seeking out a possibility for safe withdrawal.
If you want to read more on the details and consequences of this, check out:
https://rojavainformationcenter.org/2026/01/isis-escapes-as-a-result-of-syrian-army-assault/

📌SNA and STG Affiliates Attempt to Subvert DAANES
There are reports of individuals going around talking to civilians trying to spark insurgent efforts against the SDF.

At the same time, the current situation sadly also fuels anti-Arab racism in NES, with Arabs sometimes being seen as one with what STG are representing. These ethnic divisions are precisely what Turkey and HTS are striving for and thriving on. In such times we need to remind ourselves and each other more than ever, that what is being defended in NES is a political liberatory effort that bridges among ethnic and national differences.

Highlights 18.01.26 - 20.01.26


Full scale war is here. We were caught up in the midst of it and did not manage to publish updates the past two days. We'll do our best to be back on track here to keep you updated, but also call on all of you to seek out the truth of what is happening on the ground. If you run into relevant things we did not mention, let us know and we'll do our best to verify and inform. Solidarity is our best weapon!

📌 NES Loses Ground
The past three days, the border between NES and the Syrian regions under STG control has been moving by the minute - to the loss of NES and gain of STG. Following a fragile ceasefire agreement that has not been respected, SDF had to withdraw from Raqqa as well as Deir ez-Zor region. US by its non-reaction gives green light. Despite everything that is at stakes for all the people and the revolution, two major risks arising with this are for one the consequences for women. Women in places like Raqqa, who were liberated from certain of the patriarchal and fascist constraints, are being and will be thrown back to full oppression with all the abuses we can picture. The second is the risk that prisons holding thousands of ISIS fighters captive being lost control over which would bolster an ISIS resurgence. At Raqqa Al Aqtaan prison, while SDF withdrew from the city, some SDF fighters stayed behind to defend the prison in order to prevent ISIS being liberated. They are besieged and water supplies being intentionally cut off. The situation is very fragile. Second, the prison in Shedadi had to be left behind by SDF, with US army watching idly from close distance. Consequently, STG went in and freed the prisoners. Third, Al-Hol camp, the refugee camp housing about 40.000 women and children and affiliates of ISIS fighters, cannot be controlled any longer by the SDF. SDF announced that due to the ongoing attacks they can't secure it any longer, shortly after US allegedly deployed some forces and stated that SDF is still in control of the facilities. Several days ago already, after Tabqa Church Prison was evacuated by SDF, STG-affiliated cells entered and opened fire, staging a scene as if taking control of the prison.
Kobani is an island on the map now, encircled by STG and Turkish state factions. STG intentionally cut off water and electricity from the city, putting the inhabitants at great risk.

📌 Mass Mobilisation
As last hopes for diplomatic and peaceful solutions are being crushed by Turkey-backed STG aggression, organisations and structures of NES, of other parts of Kurdistan, and internationally call for mass mobilisation in order to defend NES and the revolution. DAANES concludes: “We must understand that we are facing an existential war. To preserve the gains of our revolution and our identity, there is only one option, popular resistance.” In NES, even politicans and injured fighters take up arms.

In other parts of Kurdistan, people in Southern Turkey and Northern Iraq managed to break through the borders to come and join the resistance. Semalka border - the main entry and exit point for NES - allegedly opened doors, allowing many buses full of kurdish civilians going to join the resistance in Rojava. A protest of thousands in Nusaybin, which lies in Turkish territory just next to Qamishlo, culminated successfully in the tearing down of the border. Hundreds rushed across into NES, but Turkish soldiers opened fire against the protestors and at least four people were injured.

This mobilisation is also being echoed by people all around the world, taking to the streets to condemn the attacks. Many protests and demonstrations already took place in Turkey, France, Switzerland, US, Germany, Austria, Catalunya.

📌 Kurdish Unity and Pushes for Ethnic Division
In face of such grave attacks, different Kurdish organisations and politically differently affiliated populations can be seen moving closer together, recognising the threat to all of them. Talabani, president of PUK in Kurdistan-Iraq condemned the attacks, expresssing to side with NES.

Statement of general command of SDF (english/kurmanjî):

For our Resisting People

Since January 6, our regions and our people have been subjected to barbaric and inhumane attacks. In the face of these assaults, our fighters are fighting with great courage and sacrifice and continue their struggle with honor.

Today, the Turkish state and its ISIS-minded gangs are increasing their attacks on our people, hoping to break our will and defeat our resistance.

We say with great will and determination that just as our friends in 2014 staged a historic resistance in Kobanê and turned it into a graveyard for ISIS, which was supported by Turkey, today we declare with the same determination that we will turn our cities from Derik to Hasakah and Kobanê into a graveyard for the new ISIS-minded people, who are being led by the Turkish state.

On this basis, we call on all our youth, our men and women in Rojava, North, South and East Kurdistan, as well as in Europe, to unite together and remove the borders of the invaders and join the resistance.

Today is a day of honor.
Today is a day of historical responsibility.
And today we show once again that the will of the people is stronger than any kind of attack and occupation.

__________________________
Ji bo gelê me ê Berxwedêr

ji 06 Çileyê ve, herêmên me û gelê me rasterast rastî êrîşên hov û barbaran ne tê. li hember van êrîşan de, şervanên me bi cesaret û fedakariyeke mezin şer dikin û bi awayekî bi rûmet şerê xwe dewam dikin.

Îro, dewleta Tirk û çeteyên wê yên bi zihniyeta DAIŞê, êrîşên xwe li ser gelê me zêde dikin, bi xeyala ku dikarin îradeya me bişkînin û berxwedana me têk bibin.

Em bi biryar û îradeyeke mezin dibêjin ku çawa hevalên me di sala 2014’an de li Kobanê berxwedana dîrokî kirin û Kobanê kirin goristan ji DAIŞê ya ku ji aliyê Tirkiyê ve hate piştgirîkirin re, îro jî bi heman îradeyê diyar dikin ku em ê bajarên xwe ji Dêrikê heta Hesekê û Kobanê biguherînin goristanek ji bo xwediyên zihniyeta DAIŞê yên nû, yên ku ji aliyê dewleta Tirk ve tên bi rêve birin.

Li ser vî esasî, em bang dikin li hemû ciwanên me, keç û xortên me ên Rojava, Bakur, Başûr û Rojhilatê Kurdistanê, û her weha li Ewropayê, ku bi hev re bibin yek û sînorên dagirkeran rakin û werin tevlî berxwedanê bibin.

Îro roja rûmetê ye
Îro roja berpirsyariya dîrokî ye
Û îro em careke din nîşan didin ku îradeya gelan ji her cure êrîş û dagirkeriyê bihêztir e.

Fermandariya Giştî a Hêzên Sûrya Demokratîk

19 Çile 2026

Evaluation

Once again, the situation in Syria is becoming chaotic and confusing, with a level of disinformation and fake news that makes it difficult to have a clear picture of the reality on the ground. The STG clearly planned this operation for a long time, as we can evaluate from the maps and infographics published by the national agency SANA.

The withdrawal of the SDF from Deir Hafer comes alongside the presidential decree, which states clear commitments from the Syrian state. This represents a significant improvement for the Kurdish people compared to the times of the Assad regime, but how this will be implemented remains an open question. It seems clear that this agreement, mediated by the US, was intended to prevent STG forces from advancing beyond Deir Hafer and Maskana regions. However, the attacks on Tabqa are violating these agreements and may be the prelude to a conflict on a scale never seen before.

The attacks by STG forces not only in Tabqa and Raqqa but also in Deir Ezzor demonstrate a wide-scale operation aimed at subduing the SDF, which has been holding its ground and working to resolve the situation at the negotiation table, attempting to avoid further military escalation. Now, red lines are being crossed, breaking agreements and attacking with full force: the SDF is already engaged in heavy clashes against these assaults.

This is once again a critical time for the Rojava Revolution, but as we mentioned in the last update, it is also a crucial time for the Kurdish people in Rojhilat. The protests in Iran are reaching unprecedented levels, and it is clear that the Iranian regime is under heavy pressure. The Kurdish regions of Iran are witnessing a level of unrest higher than we have ever seen, and protests are also ongoing in many other areas, even beginning in some Baloch regions. We are closely monitoring the situation there, but as long as Rojava faces such extreme pressure and escalation of events, we will focus our reports on the ongoing tensions in Syria to avoid taking on more than we can handle.

As we write these lines, reports of STG forces getting closer to Raqqa are surfacing on the internet. The truth of these reports, the extent to which STG forces are launching a full offensive, and how much disinformation is being spread online to confuse the situation is still unclear. What is evident is that the SDF is ready to fight to defend the values and achievements of the revolution. If these attacks aim to occupy and subjugate the people who defeated the Islamic State and built an oasis of democracy and women’s liberation in northern Syria, they will face fierce resistance. Because they know very well that resistance is life.

Revolutionary greetings! 🖤

Highlights 17.01.26

Offensive of STG
The current situation on the ground is confusing. We report on facts we were able to verify, but information is changing every minute.

Deir Hafer and Maskana
Forces linked to the Syrian Transitional Government (STG) started an offensive on Deir Hafer and Maskana (eastern Aleppo), taking control of those areas. The SDF informed that they reached an agreement with U.S. mediation to withdraw from those areas, which came under SDF control after the collapse of the regime one year ago. U.S. forces were deployed to Deir Hafer to assess the situation and monitor the current events on the ground. The U.S. also deployed warplanes that launched flares, allegedly as a warning to STG forces not to advance beyond Dibsy Afnan town.

Tabqa and Southern Raqqa
After taking control of Deir Hafer and Maskana, forces linked with the STG continued their advance, attacking villages surrounding Tabqa and Raqqa. Previously, the Syrian Arab Army Operations Command published locations of three buildings in Tabqa, calling for civilians to abandon those areas, framing them as being used by PKK militias and remnants of the Assad regime. Forces linked to the STG are taking control of the oil fields in the south of Raqqa, areas that the SDF took under control a year ago to prevent ISIS from occupying them.
The YPJ made a statement confirming the implementation of the withdrawal agreement from Deir Hafer. They also declared that the SDF and YPJ are in control of Tabqa and Raqqa, even as militias linked to the STG aim to take them. The SDF and YPJ are currently responding to those attacks as part of their right to self-defense.

Deir Ezzor
At the same time, clashes erupted in the border areas of Deir Ezzor, as different tribes and allegedly militias linked with the STG attacked SDF positions. The scale of such attacks is still not clear, but the SDF is already mobilizing reinforcements from the oil fields of al-Omar and Koniko to respond. As we write these lines, we see reports of STG forces also deploying in Deir Ezzor to begin attacks on SDF positions.

Presidential Decree on Kurdish Rights and Political Maneuvers of the Syrian Army
Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a presidential decree declaring Kurdish citizens as an essential part of the Syrian people and that the Syrian State is committed to protecting their cultural and linguistic rights. It also states that the Kurdish language may be taught in schools, that Kurds have the right to Syrian citizenship, and that Newroz is declared a public holiday in Syria. It further stipulates that ministries and relevant authorities shall publish this decree in official gazettes and issue the necessary regulations to implement it.
At the same time, the Syrian Army made announcements calling for Syrian Kurds and Arabs to defect from the SDF and join the Syrian Army, urging SDF soldiers to go to their nearest army post and claiming that "your homeland welcomes you anytime, anywhere."

💬 Evaluation

The last move of the STG with the "humanitarian corridor" in Deir Hafer shows a level of strategy and planification more developed that what they did in Latakia and Sweida. A way to understand that is that they are learning from past massacrres, trying now to have a more nuanced approach to the media strategy to prevent the the public outrage that their last two massacres created. Another way to see it is understanding the influence of MIT (Turkish intelligence) in this last operations.

To understand this better, we remember the words of Turkish Foreign affairs minister, ex-director of MIT Hakan Fidan, who said that the assault on the Aleppo neighborhoods had to happen because SDF "did not comply with the orders of A. Öcalan" and could not engage in dialogue without force beeing applied to them. With these attacks they try to undermine the DAANES and SDF proposal for federalised Syria, presenting it as an Israeli foreign policy vision for "fragmented Syria" as a way to counter-act the proposals of DAANES for decentralized, multi-ethnic and multiconfessional Syria.

The attacks on Sheikh Makhsood and Asrafiye started the day after the meetings between Israeli and Syrian foreign ministries met in Paris under mediation of US. After that meeting, they declared an agreement to share intelligence and work for de-escalation, allegedly in the southern part of Syria where Israel is expanding they occupied territories. That poses a question on why Turkey is using Israel as excuse to attack the kurds when is the STG who is in open negotiations with Israel, but probably there is no rational explanation, being it just a mediatic argument to redirect the discontent on Israel among Syrian Arab population against SDF.

Coming back to the humanitarian corridor, there are two effects that we need to remark from it. On one side is staging a provocation where they can easily present SDF as obstructing such a "humanitarian effort" to legitimize further attacks. They also create a ground to launch brutal attacks on the area having later the argument that they already evacuated civilians, framing anyone living in those territories newly designed as areas of military operations as a valid target.

One last point we want to remark is how the convulsed times we live in are also a perfect smoke screen for conducting such massacres. With increassing tensions and conflict all around the world, like the US intervention in Venezuela or the uprisings in Iran, it is more difficult for international media to talk about regional massacres in Syria. The situation in iran is also of big relevance for the kurdish people, since it is in Rojhilat, specially in Kirmansha, where the uprising is getting to higher levels of tension after Teheran, with many deads, injured and disapeared (if you have interest we can also bring further updates on the situation in Rojhilat, let us know about it!). Still, what is often the only way to break this media blocades is to organize and protest in solidarity with the ongoing revolution of Rojava. For that, get in touch with you local kurdish solidarity groups and keep updated about coming protests and actions!

Revolutionary greetings! 🖤

Highlights 14/15.01.26

📌 Aleppo Massacre
There is an ongoing massacre of the kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo. Abductions, disappearances and lootings continued after the evacuation of injured and dead, with people escaping while journalists and human rights organisations not allowed to enter.
UN reports min 120,000 people displaces, more than 500 missing more than 120 injured and at least 45 killed. Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Thursday that the Syrian government must hold perpetrators of violations accountable and undertake comprehensive reform of the security sector.

📌 Attacks in Deir Hafir
The Syrian Transitional Government (STG) declared the areas of Maskana and Deir Hafer territory of military operations, both areas under control of SDF. They announced a plan to open a "humanitarian corridor" from those localities to Aleppo, and are already claiming that SDF is blocking civilians from exiting the area. A turkish drone bombed the sugar factory that was used as HQ of SDF, and heavy weapons hit residential areas of Deir Hafer. A turkish drone also hit Tabqa, tergeting an SDF vehicle that was there to provide medical treatment to injured. STG is sending military reinforcements from Latakia for those military operations. SDF is also sending reinforcements to respond to the military build up.

📌 Desinformation Campaign
SANA, the Syrian national news agency, is adopting the narrative and strategies of fake news and desinformation of the main Turkish news channels. We can also find the same twisted narratives on the Qatari funded channels of AlJazeera, blaming SDF of attacks on civilians that did not take place, or of SDF stopping civilians from evacuating from Deir Hafer. They depict the massacre that is taking place in Allepo as provoked by SDF, as if STG would rightfully have the control in all Aleppo and SDF came to disrupt it, and now finally STG 'liberated' Aleppo from SDF. Such desinformation campaign builds a narrative that justifies further tensions and attacks against the territories of the Autonomous Administration.

📌 Threat of Resurgence of ISIS in NES, in light of political instability and military escalation
SDF warn that ISIS cells are trying to make use of current military escalation, planning attempts to escape prisons in NES which would present grave risks to entire populations in Syria. So far though, the prisons are under control.

📌 STG and International Community
Al-Sharaa prepares to travel to Germany on Monday to meet with German chancellor Merz, which majorly serves to further legitimise al-Sharaa as Syrian president.
STG minister of local administration and environment participated in Global South Utilities Forum, joining financial discussions to fund the STG with development money from World Bank and from Saudi Arabia. These are efforts of STG to further establish itself as legitimate actor, consolidate power and gather finances.
German activists are already planing a demonstration against the isit of al-Sharaa in berlin, and the DAANES relations committee in US is calling for a rally tomorrow Friday in front of the white house.

Evaluation

The last move of the STG with the "humanitarian corridor" in Deir Hafer shows a level of strategy and planification more developed that what they did in Latakia and Sweida. A way to understand that is that they are learning from past massacrres, trying now to have a more nuanced approach to the media strategy to prevent the the public outrage that their last two massacres created. Another way to see it is understanding the influence of MIT (Turkish intelligence) in this last operations.

To understand this better, we remember the words of Turkish Foreign affairs minister, ex-director of MIT Hakan Fidan, who said that the assault on the Aleppo neighborhoods had to happen because SDF "did not comply with the orders of A. Öcalan" and could not engage in dialogue without force beeing applied to them. With these attacks they try to undermine the DAANES and SDF proposal for federalised Syria, presenting it as an Israeli foreign policy vision for "fragmented Syria" as a way to counter-act the proposals of DAANES for decentralized, multi-ethnic and multiconfessional Syria.

The attacks on Sheikh Makhsood and Asrafiye started the day after the meetings between Israeli and Syrian foreign ministries met in Paris under mediation of US. After that meeting, they declared an agreement to share intelligence and work for de-escalation, allegedly in the southern part of Syria where Israel is expanding they occupied territories. That poses a question on why Turkey is using Israel as excuse to attack the kurds when is the STG who is in open negotiations with Israel, but probably there is no rational explanation, being it just a mediatic argument to redirect the discontent on Israel among Syrian Arab population against SDF.

Coming back to the humanitarian corridor, there are two effects that we need to remark from it. On one side is staging a provocation where they can easily present SDF as obstructing such a "humanitarian effort" to legitimize further attacks. They also create a ground to launch brutal attacks on the area having later the argument that they already evacuated civilians, framing anyone living in those territories newly designed as areas of military operations as a valid target.

One last point we want to remark is how the convulsed times we live in are also a perfect smoke screen for conducting such massacres. With increassing tensions and conflict all around the world, like the US intervention in Venezuela or the uprisings in Iran, it is more difficult for international media to talk about regional massacres in Syria. The situation in iran is also of big relevance for the kurdish people, since it is in Rojhilat, specially in Kirmansha, where the uprising is getting to higher levels of tension after Teheran, with many deads, injured and disapeared (if you have interest we can also bring further updates on the situation in Rojhilat, let us know about it!). Still, what is often the only way to break this media blocades is to organize and protest in solidarity with the ongoing revolution of Rojava. For that, get in touch with you local kurdish solidarity groups and keep updated about coming protests and actions!

Revolutionary greetings! 🖤

Highlights 14/15.01.26

Aleppo Massacre
There is an ongoing massacre of the kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo. Abductions, disappearances and lootings continued after the evacuation of injured and dead, with people escaping while journalists and human rights organisations not allowed to enter.
UN reports min 120,000 people displaces, more than 500 missing more than 120 injured and at least 45 killed. Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Thursday that the Syrian government must hold perpetrators of violations accountable and undertake comprehensive reform of the security sector.

Attacks in Deir Hafir
The Syrian Transitional Government (STG) declared the areas of Maskana and Deir Hafer territory of military operations, both areas under control of SDF. They announced a plan to open a "humanitarian corridor" from those localities to Aleppo, and are already claiming that SDF is blocking civilians from exiting the area. A turkish drone bombed the sugar factory that was used as HQ of SDF, and heavy weapons hit residential areas of Deir Hafer. A turkish drone also hit Tabqa, tergeting an SDF vehicle that was there to provide medical treatment to injured. STG is sending military reinforcements from Latakia for those military operations. SDF is also sending reinforcements to respond to the military build up.

Desinformation Campaign
SANA, the Syrian national news agency, is adopting the narrative and strategies of fake news and desinformation of the main Turkish news channels. We can also find the same twisted narratives on the Qatari funded channels of AlJazeera, blaming SDF of attacks on civilians that did not take place, or of SDF stopping civilians from evacuating from Deir Hafer. They depict the massacre that is taking place in Allepo as provoked by SDF, as if STG would rightfully have the control in all Aleppo and SDF came to disrupt it, and now finally STG 'liberated' Aleppo from SDF. Such desinformation campaign builds a narrative that justifies further tensions and attacks against the territories of the Autonomous Administration.

Threat of Resurgence of ISIS in NES, in light of political instability and military escalation
SDF warn that ISIS cells are trying to make use of current military escalation, planning attempts to escape prisons in NES which would present grave risks to entire populations in Syria. So far though, the prisons are under control.

STG and International Community
Al-Sharaa prepares to travel to Germany on Monday to meet with German chancellor Merz, which majorly serves to further legitimise al-Sharaa as Syrian president.
STG minister of local administration and environment participated in Global South Utilities Forum, joining financial discussions to fund the STG with development money from World Bank and from Saudi Arabia. These are efforts of STG to further establish itself as legitimate actor, consolidate power and gather finances.
German activists are already planing a demonstration against the isit of al-Sharaa in berlin, and the DAANES relations committee in US is calling for a rally tomorrow Friday in front of the white house.

Evaluations

The escalation that began in the Kurdish enclave of Aleppo is a logical continuation of Damascus' policy of eliminating “problematic” minorities that do not fit into the order established by the HTS. The fighting has officially spread to territories controlled by the SDF and operating according to the model proposed by the Autonomous Administration. The attacks, which began during the fighting in Aleppo, continued with renewed intensity today in the Deir Hafir area.
This is a clear escalation of the conflict and a sabotage of all progress in the dialogue on the integration of the SDF by the Syrian transitional government. However, such actions would not have been possible without active pressure from Turkey and the consent of Western countries. During the bombing of Aleppo, Jolani established diplomatic ties with European states and received about €600 million, negotiated with Israel on the exchange of intelligence, and enjoyed Trump's patronage.

The invasion of the Kurdish neighborhoods of Aleppo, the ongoing escalation in Deir Hafir, and the attacks on Tishreen are cutting off the path to the realization of the ideas proposed by the Apoist movement for peaceful integration and coexistence of autonomy and the nation-state within a single country. The actions of the Damascus government show that the peace process is impossible, and the autonomous region must once again defend itself against encroachments. In addition to damaging infrastructure, the attack on Tishreen also aims to overshadow last year's popular triumph.
The SDF is ready to fight back, and this will not be in the form of battles in the enclave, where 42,000 Turkish mercenaries and Damascus jihadists faced 900 Internal Security Forces fighters. Reinforcements are being brought in from the SDF territory to the Tabqa region. It appears that northeastern Syria is once again facing fierce fighting and a continuation of more intense warfare. The truce with Damascus proved fragile and was conditioned by the convenience of the imperialist forces. We assume that the escalation will only increase, and the events of recent weeks are unlikely to allow a return to the phase of peace talks with the interim government. The effect of the fighting is exacerbated by deliberate falsification of facts and outright lies spread by the Jolani government.
Together with all of northeastern Syria, we remember and honor our comrades who fell in Sheikh Maqsud and Ashrafiyeh, and we continue our struggle. Şehîd namirin!
Revolutionary greetings!

Highlights 13.01.26

Deir Hafir
Today the Syrian transitional government (SGT) declared the areas of Deir Hafir, Babiri and Kavas as zones of military operations. The same declaration was made about Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods in Aleppo before STG invaded.

STG forces were moved to the region, including military vehicles, tanks and weapons. STG is shelling the town of Deir Hafir and its vicinity intensly. Also fighters of STG exploded the bridge to the north from the town and shelled civil homes in nearby villages.

Tishrin
STG carried out artillery strikes on the Tishreen dam as well. There are reports of drones targeting infrastructure of the dam.

Raqqa
Internal Security Forces of the Raqqa region declared curfew from 22:00 till 06:00 to mitigate escalation of the situation inside the city and the surrounding areas.

NES
In the whole northeast Syria the 13th of January was declared the day of mourning and rememberance due to events in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh. Farewell ceremony for the commander of Internal Security Forces (Asayish) Ziyad Heleb who fell in battle took place in Kobane. Meanwhile, small-scale attacks from STG with Turkish support are happening at various points along the borders of DAANES.

Statements
KCK — «Attacks on Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh as well as preparations for assault to the east from Euphrates are putting in question the ceasefire between our movement and Turkey and the ongoing process for Peace and Democratic society.»

SDF — on the claims of STG about activities in border areas of their territories: «Repetition of these claims by the Ministry of Defense is yet another attempt to create tensions and fabricate excuses for escalation. We lay full responsibility for all possible consequences on those who are behind these actions.»

💬 Evaluation

The end of the year 2025 was marked by anticipation of development in the dialogue between SDF and Damascus government. Despite widespread skepticism, the narrative of Syrian civil war reaching its end has gradually become accepted in the international community. However, many living in Syria know that nothing could be further from truth. Massacres of Alawites and Druze by Damascus government have shown that the original problems which brought Syria to this point are not resolved. Now, the transitional government's assault on Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh has pushed Syria a step further down the war.

Main political and military forces of Damascus government in their base are not opposed to war as a method to establish centralized government for the whole of Syria, including atrocities and massacres. Such methods are seen as justifiable within the Salafist vision of the country. On the other hand, political developments of the new Syrian government is hardly compatible with the views of military forces of HTS and other groups that brought about the government of Ahmed Al-Shara'a. Diplomacy and deals with United States, European union and Russia; intelligence agreements with Israel, Abraham accords and surrender of Golan heights to Israel; crackdown on some foreign brigades within the new army. All of these affects how other forces engage with Ahmed Al-Shara'a and his presidency: he is gaining influence from Western powers but losing popularity in the Islamists ranks that lifted him up.

With that in mind, we can analyze that the current consolidation of political and military power of Damascus is directly linked to Turkey. The brutal attack on the Kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo is not a step that the transitional government could or would even decide to do independently without long-term Turkish pressure and assistance. The agenda of the transitional government, its militias and the Turkish state align under leadership of Turkey, this time on the question of integration: they do not accept a federalized, decentralized and multi-confessional Syria, where political dialogue could become the new approach to contradictions and women liberation together with co-existence of diverse communities would constitute a major social revolution. Such a development would ultimately undermine the centralized power and the influence of main hegemonic actors present in the region. Without war and chaos, Turkey, United States, Russia, Israel and other states cannot sustain their existence and economies.

That is why the Syrian state massacres Kurdish people and calls the ethnic cleansing and destruction of the neighborhoods "limited security operation". That is why the Islamist groups that massacred Alawites and Druze months ago, are attacking the Kurdish neighborhoods today, while all the states watched and didn't intervene. That is also why DAANES holds Turkey accountable for the attacks.

We would like to conclude this evaluation with words of Aldar Xelil, member of the Presidential Council of the Democratic Union Party (PYD):

Mercenaries backed by regional and international powers, foremost among them Turkey, a NATO member, claim to have achieved a “victory” in the name of what they call the “Syrian State,” this claim is nothing but an illusion devoid of any moral or realistic value.

A regime that ruled Syria for decades collapsed in eight days due to the absence of the will to resist, while the two small neighborhoods of Al-Ashrafiyah and Sheikh Maqsoud resisted for six days and continue to resist relentlessly, despite being besieged from four sides since the fall of the regime. This alone proves that any so-called “victory” over such will is nothing but self-mockery.

This people has faced multiple forces, supporting states, and various types of weapons, alongside massive Turkish support through drones, yet it has not surrendered. Its free will is immortal, renewing itself across time and place, affirming that resistance is not a temporary event but a continuous path toward freedom.

Revolutionary greetings!