Weekly highlights 23-29.03.2026

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# 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 asayis 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 commitment 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 threatened 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 rhetoric 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 rhetoric against Israel, when it comes to action on the ground the STG comes out a toothless, allowing a long string of violations of Syria's territorial integrity to placate Israel.

# YPJ CAPTURED 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. That opening of Syria to international institutions can be also see reflected in new bilateral agreements with western countries, like a new signed deal with Germany for boosting emergency response centers or newly created joint Business Councils with Italy and Spain.

# CONFERENCE IN TURIN ON KURDISH STUDIES AND RESEARCH

On the 26th and 27th of March a conference was held in Turin, Italy, about the current juncture that the Kurdish Freedom Movement is at. It is a collaboration between an Italian Turin univeristy, Garmian an Iraqi Kurdish university, Rojava university, the newspaper Amargi and others. Many important figures of the Kurdish movement were in attendance to speak.

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#Syria #NES #SDF #DAANES #AANES #SNA #SDF #PYD #YPJ #YPG #HTS #Rojava #Kurdistan #Revolution #DefendRojava #Anarchy #Anarchism #Comrades #Internationalism #AbdullahOcalan #Öcalan #PKK #WomenLifeFreedom #TekosinaAnarsist

Highlights 10.-22.03.26

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# ETHNIC VIOLENCE AGAINST KURDS IN AFRIN

Following Newroz celebrations, Saturday night many Kurdish people were targeted with violence on the road between Aleppo and Afrin. The attacks included beatings, burning Kurdish flags, destroying vehicles and further means to threaten. The trigger supposedly was the taking down of the Syrian national flag at the Newroz celebration in Kobane. Shortly after, the ethnically targeted violence started. There is further videos of some (partially armed) mobs and motorcades entering villages to provoke and seek out Kurds. In response, people on Heseke and Qamislo took to the streets protesting against the attacks and ethnic divisions.

# DEATHS OF SALIH MUSLIM, FORMER PYD CO-CHAIR

At age 75, PYD politician Salih Muslim, who was part of PYD executive council, succumbed to kidney failure in Erbil. 2010 to 2017 he was co-chair of PYD and is also known as 'father of the country/land'. His youngest was martyred as part of YPG in 2013 in battle against ISIS. In a large burial ceremony on March 13, he was buried in Kobane with high ranking figures of the Kurdish liberation struggle present, as well as a North and a South Kurdish delegation. Politicians Leyla Zana, Tuncer Bakırhan, highest SDF commander Mazloum Abdi gave commemoration speeches.

# NEWROZ CELEBRATIONS ALL AROUND

Public celebrations for the Kurdish, Afghani and Persian New Year Newroz are being held in all major cities. The celebrations are not just a cultural expression, but an act of resistance in the face of decades of assimilation and attacks. This year's festivities are held under the motto "Newroz of Freedom and Democratic Unity". In Amed, the unofficial Kurdish capital, hundreds of thousands gathered to celebrate. In Cizire canton (NES), many celebrations had to be postponed to 24 March due to the floods. Newroz is also being enjoyed across the diaspora, for example in Frankfurt about 50,000 people joined the festivities.

# PRISONER SWAP SYRIA AND NES

On Thursday 300 detainees arrived to Heseke where they were elaborately welcomed. They were a mixed groups of SDF fighters, Asayish and civilians, abducted and held by the STG since January. On March 10th a group of 100 was already released. According to diplomatic talks the STG had 1070 AANES/SDF detainees. STG is also in possession of bodies of fallen SDF fighters that SDF seek to reclaim. Many hundreds of people from Rojava still remain missing.

# HEAVY DESTRUCTIVE RAINS

Because of the sudden heavy downfall of the last week, many towns, roads (including the important connection road M4) and IDP camps were flooded. In some places whole houses were destroyed in the overflowing of rivers. Heseke, Zirgan and Til Temir are the most affected areas. Municipalities collaborated with internal security forces Asayis to help and evacuate residents in need.

# TURKEY BOLSTERS ARMAMENT IN FACE OF US-ISRAELI IRAN WAR

In the Kurdish region Meleti on Turkish territory, a patriot rocket defense system was set up, and generally as part of NATO measures, Turkish air defense is strengthened.
UN Report Concluding that Human Rights Abuses Persist in Syria
Various investigators informing the United Nations Human Rights Council reported on abuses including extrajudicial killings, torture, enforced disappearances and abductions.

# TWO MEMBERS OF SYRIAN MINISTRY OF DEFENSE TARGETED

In separate incidents in Deir-Ezzor, two Defense Ministers were targeted by unidentified gunmen, one died, one was injured. In two further incidents, unidentified gunmen attacked Internal Security Forces of the STG, injuring one while others escaped.

# SIPAN HAMO DEPUTY DEFENSE MINISTER OF EASTERN SYRIA

SDF senior commander Sipan Hamo accepts position as deputy defense minister of Eastern Syria after being appointed by SDF.

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#Syria #NES #SDF #DAANES #AANES #SNA #SDF #PYD #YPJ #YPG #HTS #Rojava #Kurdistan #Revolution #DefendRojava #Anarchy #Anarchism #Comrades #Internationalism #AbdullahOcalan #Öcalan #PKK #WomenLifeFreedom #TekosinaAnarsist

Abdullah Öcalan sends a message to the Newroz celebration in Amed, northern Kurdistan:

"Today, Newroz represents not a dream or a utopia, but a real, developing communal life. Newroz is the day when we realize ourselves, both mentally and physically.

On Newroz, let us cleanse ourselves of the inadequate relationships and meanings that constantly plague us, and let us embrace life through real relationships, a profound depth of meaning, a new ethics of freedom, and a new aesthetic of understanding.

Let us put the philosophy of "Jin, Jîyan, Azadî" into practice in all our relationships, and achieve a free life."

Read the full message here:
https://english.anf-news.com/news/Ocalan-sends-message-to-the-newroz-celebration-in-amed-84506

#newroz #Öcalan #JinJiyanAzadi

Highlights
02.03 - 09.03.26

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# OVER 1000 DETAINEES IN SYRIAN PRISONS

General Abdi stated he had been officially informed of 1,070 detainees in Syrian prisons, including civilians and military personnel. Intensive efforts are underway to address the issue within a specified timeline, and the return of detainees to their families is expected in the near term. He noted that several prisoners from both sides were released in recent days as part of practical steps to resolve the matter.

# 4000 AFRIN FAMILIES RETURN

The first convoy of displaced Kurdish families from Afrin is scheduled to return to their hometown on Monday as part of a coordinated plan between the Syrian transitional government and Kurdish authorities. The repeated relocations left many families living in temporary shelters for years, making the planned return to Afrin a significant step toward ending nearly eight years of displacement for thousands of Kurdish residents.

# KOBAN REJECTS THE GOVERNOR APPOINTED IN ALEPPO

The STG announced the appointment of Ibrahim Muslim as the new District Director for Kobani by the Aleppo Governorate. Political parties and forces of Kobane issued a joint statement the next day demanding the cancellation of that decision, insisting that such role should be filled by a local resident who represents all community components of Kobane.

# IRANIAN DRONES CRASHING IN SOUTHERN SYRIA

Iranian drones that are being intercepted by Israel forces are crashing in Southern Syria, in the Daraa district, few kilometers away from the Israeli occupied areas in Syria. The drones are often crashing on fields and sometime even inhabited areas.

# US DISCUSSING SUPPORT FROM IRANIAN KURDS

The CIA is reportedly discussing plans to arm Iranian Kurdish groups in an effort to encourage an uprising against the government in Iran. Donald Trump's administration has been holding talks with Iranian opposition figures and Kurdish leaders in Iraqi Kurdistan about providing military support. Allegedly Trump spoke on Tuesday with Mustafa Hijri, representative of Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), among other Kurdish representatives. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted Kurdish groups with dozens of drones following cross-border tensions in the Kurdish regions between Irak-Iran border.

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#Syria #NES #SDF #DAANES #AANES #SNA #SDF #PYD #YPJ #YPG #HTS #Rojava #Kurdistan #Revolution #DefendRojava #Anarchy #Anarchism #Comrades #Internationalism #AbdullahOcalan #Öcalan #PKK #WomenLifeFreedom #TekosinaAnarsist

Kort over #Öcalan, #PKK leider.
Een week geleden zou hij een bericht doen uitgaan. #oorlog #Iran #Turkije

Öcalan to release new message on anniversary of February 27 PKK dissolution call - Turkish Minute
https://www.turkishminute.com/2026/02/25/ocalan-to-release-new-message-on-anniversary-of-february-27-pkk-dissolution-call/

Demaskierte Götter und nackte Könige: Die Legitimitätskrise der Weltpolitik und der Blick aus Rojava

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://civaka-azad.org/demaskierte-goetter-und-nackte-koenige/

Highlights
23.02 - 01.03.26

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# SDF PRISONERS IN STG HANDS

In the last months during various attacks and skirmishes, the STG has taken an unknown number of SDF POW. While prisoner's release is supposed to be a part of the integration agreements, little headway has been made on the issue. In Qamishlo families have been protesting this, demanding information about their loved ones from STG. Often no information is know at all, not even if they are alive or dead.
There are also a number of civilians unaccounted for with no information of their status or whereabouts. Two journalists were also disappeared from Raqqa, one of them is an internationalist woman.

# CONTINUED INCREASE OF ISIS THREAD AND ATTACKS

ISIS issued a new call for jihad against the STG, calling al-Sharaa an apostate who is serving western powers. While al-Sharaa himself has his history in al-Qaeda, his pragmatism and willingness to (at least on the face) moderate his Islamist agenda has been causing frustration with more radical Islamist forces both within the STG and with other groups such as ISIS.
The monthly average of ISIS attacks is still up at 20. With prisoner transfers to Iraq, STG releasing prisoners when taking over previously SDF administered facilities, escapes from al-Hol and the general instability in the region, ISIS is taking its chances where it can to advance and disrupt.

# ILHAM AHMED AND ROJHILAT AFRIN AT EU PARLIAMENT

Ahmed and Afrin have been meeting with EU committees about the situation of the Kurdish population in NES. They emphasized the role the SDF has played against ISIS, the need for constitutional rights and the obstacles for IDP's to return to their homes. They also demanded that the EU take a more active stance as a guarantor.

# PRESSURE ON SHENGAL

Tension in Shengal has been increasing as Turkish foreign minister Hakkan Fidan has threatened operations in Shengal, Makhmur and Qandil to be carried out by the Iraqi Hashd al-Shaʿbi forces. Iraqi military presence has visibly increased in the region. Iraqi forces have been disarming Yezidi's, while effectively surrounding Shengal with the army. There are ongoing negotiations to integrate Sinjar Resistance Units (YBŞ) into the Iraqi army. YBŞ has shown openness to dialogue on the matter, though with the red-lines that forces in their areas need to remain fully Yezidi, and that they will not integrate into Hashd al-Sha'bi. The YBŞ stated that if Shengal will be attacked, they will fight back fiercely.

# IRAN WAR

The recent attacks of US and Israel on Iran will impact Syria in ways we can only speculate. As for now, Iranian missiles already landed on Syrian soil, some even killing civilians on southern Syria. Syrian aviation authorities also decided to close airspace in southern Syria, probably under requests of US. Beyond immediate consequences like that, the ongoing attacks will influence not only the fate on Iran but of the whole middle east. The imperialist aggressions of US and Israel aim for the collapse of the regime of the ayatollahs in Iran, and the regime will answer desperately in front of such an existential threat.

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#Syria #NES #SDF #DAANES #AANES #SNA #SDF #PYD #YPJ #YPG #HTS #Rojava #Kurdistan #Revolution #DefendRojava #Anarchy #Anarchism #Comrades #Internationalism #AbdullahOcalan #Öcalan #PKK #WomenLifeFreedom #TekosinaAnarsist