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
(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
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
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
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
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
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
Over 300 olive trees were looted in the past days by Turkish-backed militants occupying the region of Afrin, Syria.Continue Reading
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
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
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
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
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
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
The new school year began on September 9 in the areas of Syria administered by the Autonomous Administration, with over 850,000 students enrolled, according to the Education Board.Continue Reading
Earlier this month the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) held a joint meeting to address strategic policy in North East Syria. The three groups form the backbone of the structure of the democratic project in theContinue Reading
It is more important than ever to continue support through training, equipment, stipends, security infrastructure, and logistics.Continue Reading
The schedule move has prompted many to speculate on whether US-Turkey relationship is becoming even more problematic than before.Continue Reading
The families receiving these homes were falsely registered as the legal owners of houses that were destroyed by the February 2023 earthquake.Continue Reading
Turkish drone strike kills a Syrian Democratic Forces commander, three Christian security personnel killed by Turkish attack, pro-regime tribal militias attack in Deir ez Zor, SDC meets with Arab tribal leaders, and Yazidis celebrate New Year.Continue Reading
On this day, International Womens Day, we celebrate and congratulate all of the women who have stepped forward, raised their voices, and called out for their rights to be protected. Throughout the world, on this day, women are marching for their freedom and their rights. Women’s rights are human rights,Continue Reading
Throughout North and East Syria, women marked International Women’s Day with marches, rallies, seminars, special events, and declarations. They acknowledged the gains in women’s freedoms that have occurred, while also vowing to continue the struggle for equality, human rights, and power to control their own destinies. They danced, enjoyed music,Continue Reading
The YPJ Women’s Protection Units are military units of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) of North and East Syria. To commemorate International Women’s Day, March 8, 2023, and their 10th anniversary, they issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to fighting for their rights and the rights of all women. “InContinue Reading
United States Central Command confirmed that a Turkish airstrike on a joint Coalition-SDF military base in North and East Syria posed a risk to US troops and personnel. Turkish warplanes continue to pound targets across North and East Syria, and in an unprecedented escalation, including one of the most essentialContinue Reading
“We might come suddenly one night.” These are the words President Erdogan has used many times when referring to the renewed ground invasion of North and East Syria he has long sought after. They are essential in understanding that he has not been waiting for a pretext to attack ourContinue Reading
The Turkish Military has drastically escalated its drone strike campaign against the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria and the Syrian Democratic Forces since July 15, 2022. While Turkish drones have been an ever present threat in the region since Turkey’s military invasion and occupation of Ras al-Ayn andContinue Reading
The fate of 200,000 Syrians remains in peril as Assad’s forces cut off food shipments, causing mass starvation in two neighborhoods under the control of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES).Continue Reading
A vehicle that was carrying fighters from the Tel Tamr Military Council to battle ISIS in Hasakah was struck by a Turkish drone strike, reportedly wounding the fighters inside the vehicle… there have been constant Turkish-backed attacks on the Ayn Issa region, leading to several SDF fighters being killed while repelling these attacks. Continue Reading
Our people are ready to do the work of reconstruction. But first, we need the skies free of bombs and drones, so that we can see the sun rise on a stable, secure, prosperous Syria.Continue Reading
May our shared democratic spirit unite the people of Syria and the people of the United States as we work together to bring true democracy – dignity, peace, and equality – across the globe.Continue Reading
This International Women’s Day, we will celebrate nearly 10 years of resistance and success that no enemy could destroy. We will continue to build our women’s revolution, and hope that we can be a model for women’s inclusion in the future of Syria and the Middle East.Continue Reading
These details paint a disturbing picture of the conditions that forced Afrin’s Kurdish population to flee — and make it clear what would happen were Turkey allowed to attack SDF-held territory again.Continue Reading