Eleventh Anniversary of the Kobani Resistance Commemorated as North and East Syria Marks World Kobani Day
In Kobani, northeastern Syria, the memory of the 2014 ISIS siege still lingers more than a decade later. The battle, which turned the small border city into a global symbol of resistance, left deep scars—and a lasting legacy. On November 1, 2025, the world marks the eleventh World Kobani Day,Continue Reading
Northeast Syria’s Decentralized Model is Essential for Syria’s Future
Nearly a year after the collapse of the Assad regime, and over six months since the much-lauded March 10 Agreement signed between Syrian Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Syrian Democratic Forces General Commander Mazloum Abdi, debate continues regarding the future of Syrian governance, and tensions continue to rise following violenceContinue Reading
Northeast Syria: A Reality to Reckon With, Not Ignore
By Lacy MacAuley The hottest part of the year is not the ideal time to travel to Northeast Syria, a region whose local government is the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES). But I traveled there this past August, prepared for the soaring temperatures and the unrelentingContinue Reading
US Ambassador and CENTCOM Commander Visit Northeast Syria to Advance Peace Talks
Northeast Syria — US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack and CENTCOM Commander Admiral Cooper visited northeast Syria in early October to hold high-level talks with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) leadership, including co-commanders General Mazloum Abdi and General Rohilat Afrin. The visit underscores American efforts toContinue Reading
ISIS Continues to Terrorize Syria, Threaten Stability in the Region
In northeast Syria, the fight against ISIS continues on a daily basis, with at least nine SDF members killed in combat with ISIS terrorists in Deir-ez-Zor in the past two weeks. Last Saturday, the SDF stated that four troops were killed in clashes in the town of Abriha, with oneContinue Reading
Targeted Violence Against Christians in Syria’s Wadi al-Nasara Raises Alarms Amid Broader Ethnic Tensions
ANAZ, Syria — Rising violence against Syria’s Christian minority in the Wadi al-Nasara (Valley of Christians) region has sparked fear and anger among residents, following a recent deadly attack that killed two young men and wounded another. Four masked gunmen, reportedly dressed as government security forces, opened fire outside theContinue Reading
Syrian Democratic Council Highlights Women’s Role in Peace at UN Amid Historic Visit by Syrian President
New York, NY — The United Nations General Assembly convened this month with global leaders gathering for key sessions, including the annual Women, Peace, and Security conference. Among the participants was the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), the political representative of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, whichContinue Reading
Security Forces Launch Major Operation in Hasakah Amid Ongoing ISIS Threat
The city of Hasakah in northeast Syria still bears the scars of the fierce fighting that erupted in January 2022, following a large-scale ISIS assault on the al-Sina’a detention facility. In response to intelligence suggesting that ISIS was attempting to reestablish its presence in the area, the Syrian Democratic ForcesContinue Reading
ISIS Attacks Surge in North and East Syria Amid Ongoing Security Operations
Terrorist attacks continue to destabilize Syria’s northeast as ISIS maintains its campaign against the security forces of the Autonomous Administration, despite ongoing joint operations by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the US-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. In recent months, several major ISIS attacks have resulted in casualties amongContinue Reading
Violence in Suwayda Underscores Syria’s Deepening Struggles Over Decentralization and Sectarian Tensions
Gunmen affiliated with the Syrian Transitional Government (STG) based in Damascus, clash with local Druze forces in Suwayda July witnessed some of Syria’s most intense violence since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, as armed Bedouin militants and Druze factions clashed across the countryside of the Druze-majorityContinue Reading
In Gesture of Solidarity, Autonomous Administration Sends Firefighters and Aid to Syria’s Embattled Coastal Region
As summer temperatures soared, wildfires swept through rural areas of Latakia on Syria’s coast. In response, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria dispatched 150 trained firefighting personnel, supported by 18 fire trucks, two ambulances, two fuel tankers, and two bulldozers, to assist local authorities in containing and extinguishingContinue Reading
Syria’s Gradual Return to the Global Economy Progresses as US Lifts Sanctions
A Kurdish delegation from northeastern Syria, left, meets representatives of the Syrian transitional government in Damascus on June 1, 2025 – AFP Syria is undergoing significant economic changes for the first time in years.Following the fall of the Assad regime at the end of 2024, and after negotiations between Syria’sContinue Reading
The Search for Post-Assad Stability in Syria
The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the rise of President Ahmad al-Shar’a has opened a new chapter for Syria — marked by opportunity, but also fragility. While political change has taken place in form, enduring stability — particularly in the realm of security — remains elusive. The facts onContinue Reading
Terrorist Attack Devastates Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus
Rows of shattered pews and bloodstains beneath images of Christian icons were laid bare to the world following a deadly terrorist attack on the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus on June 20, 2025. A gunman opened fire on worshippers during the church’s Sunday evening service before detonating anContinue Reading
Afrin’s Displaced Await Justice Amidst Uncertainty as Abuses Continue
A Turkish flag painted over a historic home in Rajo, Afrin, Syria. The house was reportedly looted by the Hamza Division, sanctioned by the US Treasury, in 2018. One of the most pressing challenges still facing the Syrian people is the plight of the millions who remain internally displaced followingContinue Reading
Syrian Democratic Forces Maintain Pressure on Active ISIS Cells in the Northeast
An ISIS militant captured by SDF special forces, along with the weapons cache that was discovered. As Syria continues its gradual journey toward reconstruction, recovery, and a lasting political settlement between its governing entities, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) remain engaged in an ongoing fight against terrorist elements—particularly the IslamicContinue Reading
Avoiding the Authoritarian Trap: What Syria’s New Leaders Must Learn from Assad’s Downfall
Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8, 2024, Syria has entered a sensitive and complex transitional period, led by interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa. This new phase has raised urgent questions about Syria’s future after Assad. How can a new Syria emerge that avoids repeating the mistakes ofContinue Reading
Surge in ISIS Activity As Militants Take Advantage of Syria’s Uncertainty, Attack New Syrian Government and Autonomous Administration
As Syria grapples with ongoing instability, ISIS militants have escalated their operations, exploiting the country’s fragile security landscape and deepening tensions. Last week, the group claimed their first attacks directly on Syrian Transitional Government forces in the southern majority Druze province of Suweida. This marks a significant escalation, as ISISContinue Reading
United Kurdish Delegation Heads to Damascus Amid Progress in Syria Talks
Following years of political deadlock, Syria’s largest Kurdish parties came together and signed a landmark agreement on April 26. In a meeting of 400 delegates, the Democratic Union Party (PYD), one of the largest parties within the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, and the Kurdish National CouncilContinue Reading
President Trump and European Union Announce Reprieve of Syria Sanctions
In a dramatic move, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria following his first-ever meeting with Syrian President al-Sharaa. The meeting was facilitated by Saudi officials on the sidelines of a regional conference between President Trump and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders. It marked the firstContinue Reading
Syria Appoints US-Sanctioned Warlord to High-Ranking Defense Position
President Ahmed al-Sharaa and his Damascus-based Transitional Government are attempting to consolidate various factions, organizations, and structures into a unified Syria as the world looks on. Agreements such as the one between President al-Sharaa and Commander Mazloum Abdi of the Syrian Democratic Forces have offered a glimmer of hope thatContinue Reading
Ceasefire Reached Over Tishreen Dam Following Months of Turkish Strikes
EUPHRATES RIVER, Syria — Following months of escalating Turkish aggression that threatened the stability of the Tishreen dam, one of northeast Syria’s most vital infrastructure projects, the Global Coalition has brokered a ceasefire between Turkey, Turkish-backed militias, and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The agreement comes after sustained drone strikesContinue Reading
Negotiations Around the Civil and Military Integration of the Northeast Ongoing
DAMASCUS — The political landscape of Syria remains in flux following a rapid offensive late last year that saw Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) seize control of Damascus. Since then, the fate of Syria’s autonomous northeast has hung in the balance. Despite their geographic isolation, the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)—aContinue Reading
Breakthrough Agreement Reached Between Damascus and Kurdish-Majority Neighborhoods in Aleppo
ALEPPO, Syria – After months of rising tensions, a significant agreement has been reached concerning the status of the Kurdish-majority neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh in Aleppo, Syria’s second biggest city. The deal, finalized earlier this month, marks a key turning point in efforts to stabilize the fractured northern cityContinue Reading
Yazidis Celebrate Red Wednesday as an Official Holiday in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria
HASAKAH, Syria — Yazidis across northeast Syria gathered this week to celebrate Red Wednesday, the Yazidi New Year, after the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria officially recognized the occasion as a public holiday. The move is part of a broader effort to preserve and promote the region’s multi-ethnicContinue Reading
White House Reinstates Emergency Aid to Syria’s Northeast Amid Growing Humanitarian and Security Concerns
WASHINGTON — In a swift policy reversal, the White House has moved to reinstate several emergency food aid programs, including critical support for conflict-stricken regions of Syria. The decision was communicated through an internal email from Jeremy Lewin, acting deputy director of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), instructingContinue Reading
Eight Children From the Same Family Killed by Turkish Drone Strike Outside Kobani
Late Sunday night ten members of a single family were killed between the villages of Qomji and Barkh Botan outside of Kobani. The dead include a man and woman and their eight children. The only surviving member of the Othman Abdo family, a 9 nine year old girl, was severelyContinue Reading
Continued Turkish-backed Attacks On Tishreen Dam Put Security of the Northeast at Risk
Despite an existing ceasefire, intense fighting has continued between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) groups, with Turkish airstrikes providing support to the SNA. Fighting has remained concentrated near the Euphrates, in the region separating Manbij and Kobani, especially around the Tishreen Dam. The DamContinue Reading
Syria Sees Deadly Massacres of Alawite Communities on the Coast
Over the past week there has been a bloody massacre of Alaawites in Syria, including killings of women, children, the elderly, and noncombatants. The death toll is in the thousands and climbing. The atrocities committed by extremist militants have been documented and posted on social media by the militants themselves. Scores of horrific videos haveContinue Reading
As Change Sweeps Syria, the Future of ISIS Fighters and Their Families Remains Uncertain
In the permanently altered political situation in Syria following the collapse of the Assad regime, the status of ten thousand ISIS fighters, including two thousand foreigners, as well as tens of thousands of women and children related to them, remains unclear. The SDF and Internal Security Forces of the AutonomousContinue Reading
Turkish Airstrikes Kill 12 in Shaddadi Desert
Yesterday, Turkish fighter jets and drones conducted a series of airstrikes against several targets near Shaddadi, south of Hasakah in North-East Syria. An SDF military position, housing for civilian workers, and a civilian vehicle transporting local shepherds were all hit. In total, 16 airstrikes targeted the region, killing four SDF members, sixContinue Reading
Co-Chair Elham Ahmad Condemns ISIS-Inspired Terrorist Attack in New Orleans
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the people and government of the United States and wish the injured a swift recovery,” said Ahmad. “It is now imperative to strengthen this partnership and expand it into political economic dimensions to address and eliminate all sources of terrorism.”Continue Reading
2024: Syria’s Most Consequential Year, From the Northeast
The people of North and East Syria and all Syrian people now clearly desire to create a unified Syria that is inclusive, democratic, pluralistic, and sovereign.Continue Reading
Syrian Christians Find Safety in the Pluralist Model in Northeast Syria
Christians in Syria and Iraq have faced severe persecution in recent years, particularly from extremist groups like ISIS. In Syria, the ongoing civil war has left Christian communities vulnerable to violence, forced conversions, and displacement. The rise of ISIS in 2014 led to widespread destruction of Christian homes, churches, andContinue Reading
Syrian Democratic Council Joins Latvian Embassy in Event Highlighting Women in Technology
(from left) Sinam Mohamad, Chief of Mission of SDC-US and Dace Melbārde, Parliamentary Secretary at the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs “We need to empower women to actively participate in politics, otherwise we risk perpetuating old cycles of poverty and discrimination. It starts with breaking stereotypes in family and society,Continue Reading
Syrian Democratic Council Advances Women, Peace, and Security at the United Nations
The Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) attended this year’s Women, Peace and Security (WPS) week at the United Nations, an annual event held in October to highlight the importance of gender equality in peace-building efforts around the world. The global WPS agenda is based around UN Security Council Resolution 1325, whichContinue Reading
Turkish-backed Faction Steals Dozens of Olive Trees in Occupied Afrin
According to local sources, militants from the Samarkand faction of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) have cut down dozens of trees near Haj Hassane village in the countryside of Afrin. They have also imposed fees of $1 per tree on the olive tree owners of Rajo district to moveContinue Reading
Northeast Syrian Civilian and Military Leaders Congratulate President-Elect Trump
Following the 2024 US presidential elections, the military and political leadership of northeast Syria, including Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) Co-Chair Leyla Qehreman and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) General Commander Mazloum Abdi, congratulated President Trump on his victory. The SDF and SDC had extensive contacts during the previous Trump Administration, includingContinue Reading
Syrian Democratic Forces Launch Extensive Anti-ISIS Operation in Al-Hawl
The Syrian Democratic Forces launched one of the most comprehensive counter-terrorism operations since ISIS’ territorial Caliphate came to an end in 2019 during Operation “Enduring Security.” This latest operation has now concluded its second and final phase, with the help of the US-led International Coalition to Defeat ISIS. The firstContinue Reading
Northeast Syria Reels From Turkish Airstrikes
At the end of October 2024, Turkish military forces launched an enormous wave of airstrikes against mostly civilian targets in northeast Syria. Millions of people in the region, already battered by previous strikes, a siege-like economic embargo, and incoming refugees fleeing Lebanon’s war, have seen their daily lives become increasinglyContinue Reading
Unprovoked Turkish Attacks Devastate Civilian Life in Northeast Syria
The attacks caused the deaths of 14 civilians and injured over 40 people. Bakeries, medical facilities, power plants, oil fields, and gas plants were struck.Continue Reading
The Partnership Between the US and SDF Is One of the Global War on Terror’s Biggest Success Stories. Strengthening It Should Be a Priority.
By October of 2015, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were formed as a multi-ethnic coalition of Arabs, Kurds, and Syriacs, united by their belief in a democratic Syria, and the necessity of defeating ISIS.Continue Reading
Seeking Refuge from Conflict in Lebanon, Syrians Return Home
As of October 11, over 258,000 people had fled Lebanon to different parts of Syria since the start of hostilities, according to UNICEF.Continue Reading
Afrin’s Olive Wealth Continues To Be Stolen
Over 300 olive trees were looted in the past days by Turkish-backed militants occupying the region of Afrin, Syria.Continue Reading
Five Years On, Ras al-Ayn and Tal Abyad Are Largely Forgotten
Five years have now passed since Turkey and its Syrian proxies launched their third operation in Northern Syria, invading and occupying the cities of Ras al-Ayn and Tal Abyad. Continue Reading
Sanctioned Extremists Open Fire on Peaceful Protestors in Occupied Afrin
A peaceful protest of women in Kakhra, western Afrin, was violently attacked by the Sultan Suleiman Shah Brigade, known also as the al-Amshat militia.Continue Reading
Large-Scale Security Campaign Conducted by Internal Security Forces in Raqqa
Twenty-six wanted individuals, accused of a variety of criminal offenses, were arrested, including three major drug traffickers, who clashed with security forces for several hours before being apprehended.Continue Reading
Turkish Drones Rain Terror Down From the Skies Above Northeast Syria
On September 3, a drone struck the vehicle of a senior commander of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) in the city of Qamishli, killing him.Continue Reading
Growing University System in DAANES Begins a New Year
Another school year has begun in the university system in the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES). Over 3,000 students attend the three DAANES universities, Rojava University, located in Qamishlo, Kobane University in Kobane, and the newest, Al-Sharq University in Raqqa. A fourth, the University of Afrin,Continue Reading
Senior ISIS Leader Captured as Terrorist Activities Skyrocket
Several ISIS foreign fighters escaped from custody, and were loose in the region around Raqqa, the Caliphate’s former capital. The SDF quickly managed to recapture two of them, but three remain at large.Continue Reading