Destruction of Western Kurdistan by absolutely EVERYONE

[Anthea]

Senior PYD Leader Killed in Qamishli

Amid Escalating Tensions

A senior leader of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) was killed in the Kurdish-majority city of Qamishli, Western Kurdistan, during Turkish shelling, according to reports from local sources.

Menija Hajo Heidar, a General Council member and Co-Chair of the PYD's Qamishli office, was reportedly killed alongside three others during a sit-in at the Tishrin Dam, aimed at supporting Kurdish-led forces in the region.

The PYD, the political arm of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), confirmed Heidar’s death in a statement mourning her loss and describing her as a "committed struggler." The party vowed to continue its resistance against what it described as "Turkish aggression" and emphasized the need for international action to curb ongoing hostilities in Western Kurdistan.

Heidar’s death comes amid heightened tensions in Western Kurdistan, where Turkey has ramped up military operations targeting Kurdish groups it considers “terrorist organizations” linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Ankara views the PYD and SDF as extensions of the PKK, which has waged a decades-long insurgency within Turkey.

In recent months, Turkish drone strikes and artillery shelling have increased, with several key Kurdish figures and fighters killed in targeted attacks. These actions have sparked condemnation from Kurdish groups, who argue that Turkey’s campaign destabilizes the region and undermines efforts to combat remnants of the Islamic State (ISIS).

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/872707

[Anthea]

Renowned Kurdish Actor Killed by Drone

Prominent Kurdish comedian and actor Jum Khalilbraim, known by his stage name Bave Tayyar, passed away on Sunday, after succumbing to injuries sustained in a Turkish drone strike near the Tishreen Dam

The tragic incident occurred when Turkish drones targeted a gathering of civilians near the dam in southeastern Manbij.

According to local sources, the bombing resulted in four deaths and 15 injuries, including Bave Tayyar. Despite the efforts of medical teams, the actor died of his injuries in the hospital.

Born in 1961 in Qamishli, Syria, Bave Tayyar was a beloved figure in Kurdish theater and comedy.

He was also a cultural advocate who used his art to highlight the struggles and aspirations of the Kurdish people.

The attack took place as the actor was assisting the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in organizing activities at the dam.

The SDF reported that one of the ambulances carrying the wounded was also targeted by Turkish drones, further intensifying tensions in the conflict-ridden region.

Clashes between the SDF and Turkish-backed armed groups around the Tishreen Dam have escalated in recent days, leading to widespread chaos.

The violence has left at least 133 people injured, with 100 others displaced, as fighting continues to destabilize the area.

Bave Tayyar’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief from the Kurdish community and beyond.

His contributions to Kurdish art and culture are being remembered as a significant loss to the region.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/872794

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ENKS Member found dead in Qamishlo

A senior member of the Kurdish National Council in Syria (ENKS), Ismail Fatah, was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Qamishlo, Western Kurdistan, on Monday morning

The incident has raised serious concerns, with ENKS leaders demanding an investigation into his death.

Asmahan Daud, a prominent ENKS leader, revealed to BasNews that Fatah was abducted last Thursday by a group of unidentified gunmen while traveling to Qamishlo. Despite efforts to secure his release, his body was discovered days later in the town of Tarpaspi, east of Qamishlo.

“When he was kidnapped, ENKS directly contacted Mazloum Abdi’s [Syrian Democratic Forces Commander General] office and informed them about the abduction,” Daud explained.

“We refrained from issuing a public statement because we were trying to rescue him. Unfortunately, he was killed, and his body was dumped.”

According to Daud, Fatah’s body has been transferred to the forensic pathology department in Qamishlo for further examination.

She noted that Fatah had been detained multiple times by militant groups due to his outspoken criticism of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) policies in the region

Faisal Yousef, ENKS spokesperson, also confirmed Fatah’s death to BasNews and called for a thorough investigation.

“Yes, unfortunately, the body of Ismail Fatah has been found, and we have requested an investigation into his murder,” Yousef stated.

The killing of Fatah, a veteran activist and dedicated member of ENKS, underscores the ongoing tensions and challenges faced by Kurdish political figures in Western Kurdistan.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/872830

[Anthea]

KDP leader meets Western Kurdistan’s

opposition coalition

Masoud Barzani, president of Kurdistan Region’s governing Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), on Tuesday received a delegation from Western Kurdistan's main opposition umbrella group following his meeting with chief of Western Kurdistan's de facto army to discuss Kurdish unity

“During the meeting, they discussed the political and security situation in Syria and the outcomes of dialogue and rapprochement among the Kurdish parties in Syria,” read a statement from Barzani’s office.

The Kurdish National Congress (ENKS/KNC) delegation consisted of the coalition’s chairman and leadership members.

The statement added that both sides also touched on the historic meeting between Barzani and Mazloum Abdi, chief of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in Erbil on Friday.

SDF is the de facto army of the Kurdish-held Western Kurdistan.

“Barzani emphasized the importance of unity, coordination, and joint work among the Kurdish parties in Syria,” read the statement from his office on Tuesday.

ENKS is a coalition of Western Kurdistan's opposition parties that have close ties with the KDP.

Western Kurdistan's ruling Democratic Union Party (PYD) and the ENKS signed a historic agreement, mediated by the KDP leader, in Kurdistan Region’s Duhok province in 2015 to end tensions and share power in Western Kurdistan, but the deal was never implemented. Each side blamed the other for its failure.

PYD-ENKS talks have been stalled for years due to disagreements.

Last month, Abdi met with an ENKS delegation, in the presence of the US-led global coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS), to discuss Kurdish unity going forward.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/21012025

[Anthea]

ENKS says KDP leader

emphasized Kurdish unity

The Kurdish National Council (ENKS/KNC) spokesperson said on Tuesday that the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani repeated his call on Syrian Kurds to join forces to defend their rights and put aside their differences during his latest meeting with the council

Barzani received a delegation from the ENKS two weeks ago and met with the council again on Tuesday.

“He asked us to focus on Kurdish unity… and together defend Kurdish demands in Syria,” ENKS spokesperson, Faysal Yousef, told Rudaw, noting that Barzani also asked them to “remove all obstacles” before Kurdish unity

He added that the ENKS, a coalition of opposition parties based in Western Kurdistan, “reiterated” its support for Barzani’s call for unity.

Barzani’s office said earlier in the day that both sides “discussed the political and security situation in Syria and the outcomes of dialogue and rapprochement among the Kurdish parties in Syria.”

The KDP leader and the ENKS delegation also touched on the historic meeting between Barzani and Mazloum Abdi, chief of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in Erbil on Friday.

SDF is the de facto army of the Kurdish-held Western Kurdistan.

ENKS has close ties with the KDP.

Western Kurdistan’s ruling Democratic Union Party (PYD) and the ENKS signed a historic agreement, mediated by the KDP leader, in Kurdistan Region’s Duhok province in 2015 to end tensions and share power in Western Kurdistan, but the deal was never implemented. Each side blamed the other for its failure

PYD-ENKS talks have been stalled for years due to disagreements

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/210120253

[Anthea]

ENKS Praises Barzani’s

Support for Syrian Kurds

The Kurdish National Council in Syria (ENKS) has praised Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, president of the KDP for his steadfast support of Syrian Kurds, stressing the need for a wise and pragmatic, non-ideological approach to the region's future

“President Barzani’s love for Western Kurdistan is not new. He has stood by us through both difficulties and joys, which is why he is in the heart of every Syrian Kurd,” ENKS Spokesperson Faisal Yusuf told BasNews.

He recalled Barzani’s visit to Qamishli in 1996, noting his continued support for the people of Western Kurdistan without discrimination. “President Barzani has taken many initiatives for Western Kurdistan and recently met with SDF leader Mazloum Abdi, advising all parties to remain united and patient,” he added.

Yusuf stressed the importance of ensuring Kurdish rights in Syria through constitutional guarantees and urged an end to any targeting of Kurds by external forces. He noted that in 2020, discussions with the US and Abdi included concerns over the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which, he said, has become a regional and international issue.

Barzani recently reiterated his commitment to Kurdish unity in Syria, calling for peaceful efforts to secure their rights.

In an exclusive interview with Shams TV, Barzani discussed key issues related to the Kurdish struggle in Syria and broader regional challenges. He confirmed his recent meeting with Mazloum Abdi to advance Kurdish unity efforts.

Yusuf concluded by expressing hope that Syrian Kurdish parties could continue working together and avoid external interference in their affairs.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/873555

[Anthea]

Discussing Kurdish Unity

Highlighting President Masoud Barzani's and the international coalition's support for fostering unity among Kurdish parties, underscoring their commitment to a unified Kurdish political front in Syria

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Faysal Yusuf, spokesperson for the Kurdish National Council in Syria (KNCS), announced on Monday that another meeting with Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), is set to take place soon.

"The sooner Kurdish unity is achieved, the better for Western Kurdistan (Rojava Kurdistani)," Yusuf told Kurdistan24, emphasizing the importance of consolidating Kurdish factions in the region.

He further highlighted President Masoud Barzani's and the international coalition's support for fostering unity among Kurdish parties, underscoring their commitment to a unified Kurdish political front in Syria.

Efforts to achieve Kurdish unity in Western Kurdistan have been ongoing. Multiple initiatives have been launched to bridge political differences and strengthen cooperation among various Kurdish factions in the region.

On Jan. 16, President Barzani met with SDF Commander Abdi, in which they emphasized Kurdish unity.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/82 ... -kncs-spox

[Anthea]

ENKS Meets SDF Commander Abdi

Amid Push for Unity

The well respected leadership of the Kurdish National Council in Syria (ENKS) held a significant meeting with the bully Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), on Tuesday to discuss Kurdish unity and the path forward for negotiations with Damascus

Raman Mahmoud Mulla, an ENKS leader, confirmed the meeting to BasNews, stating, “Yes, the ENKS leadership and Mazloum Abdi are in the meeting. This was already decided.” While the discussions are ongoing, details of the meeting’s content have yet to be disclosed.

This development follows a historic mid-January meeting between Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), and Mazloum Abdi. The meeting, which focused on fostering Kurdish unity, received praise from the United States and key political figures in Iraq and the region.

Reflecting on his visit to the Kurdistan Region, Abdi said in a statement on Tuesday, “The purpose of our visit to Erbil was to unify the Kurdish position for negotiations with Damascus.”

He emphasized efforts to create a unified Kurdish delegation, stating, “We are trying to unify our political position and program in Western Kurdistan so we can approach Damascus with one delegation for negotiations.”

Abdi also highlighted the Kurdistan Region’s supportive stance. “The Kurdistan Region’s position is positive, and they want to help Western Kurdistan in negotiations with Damascus. This is an important and constructive position at this stage,” he noted.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/873639

[Anthea]

ENKS Urges SDF to
Dissolve PKK-Linked Group

The Kurdish National Council in Syria (ENKS) has called on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to dissolve the PKK-affiliated “Revolutionary Youth” group, accusing it of destabilizing Western Kurdistan and targeting political opponents

A senior ENKS leader told BasNews that the group continues to engage in violent activities, including attacks on political party offices, kidnappings, and other forms of unrest. ENKS insists that the SDF, as the dominant military force in the region, must take action to disband the group, but so far, no steps have been taken.

Asmahan Daud, an ENKS leadership member, emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, linking it to broader efforts for Kurdish unity. “We may not have a new map of Syria, but we have the political situation in Western Kurdistan that we all need to navigate together,” Daud told BasNews.

She highlighted the recent meeting between Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi in Erbil, calling it a crucial step toward unity.

“One of the main points of contention is the presence of PKK-affiliated groups in Western Kurdistan. Unfortunately, these groups, including the so-called ‘Revolutionary Youth,’ are still attacking party headquarters,” she added.

Daud accused the group of operating under the control of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), stating, “They are armed, they kidnap children, and they burn offices of political parties. The autonomous administration is responsible, even though the orders come from Qandil.”

The demand for the group’s dissolution was reportedly raised during a meeting on Tuesday between ENKS leaders and Mazloum Abdi. While the discussions are ongoing, no details about the SDF’s response have been disclosed.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/873732

[Anthea]

US, SDF Hold Joint Drills in Western Kurdistan

to Boost Combat Readiness

The US-led International Coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) conducted a joint military exercise on Saturday at Al-Wazir Base, north of Hasakah in Western Kurdistan, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance combat readiness and regional security, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported

The drills involved live ammunition and newly delivered advanced weaponry to coalition bases east of the Euphrates. This exercise followed an intensive live-fire drill conducted the previous day at the Conoco gas plant base, east of Deir ez-Zor.

The exercises also included helicopter patrols conducted by US forces to improve coordination and operational efficiency between coalition troops and the SDF. Such joint exercises have been a central pillar of US military strategy in Syria and Iraq, focusing on advising and strengthening the capabilities of its local partners.

Since mid-2022, the frequency of joint US-SDF exercises has increased, coinciding with escalating rocket attacks by Iranian-backed militias targeting coalition bases in Hasakah and Deir ez-Zor. Washington has repeatedly emphasized that its presence in Syria is aimed at ensuring the defeat of the Islamic State (ISIS) and stabilizing territories liberated from the extremist group.

The US military has conducted extensive training operations for the SDF since 2014, with a focus on counter-terrorism operations and defensive tactics. Elite SDF Counter-Terrorism Units have been the primary recipients of American training and armament, playing a crucial role in maintaining security in Western Kurdistan.

The coalition has supported the SDF since the group’s formation in 2015, providing military training, intelligence sharing, and logistical support. The SDF played a decisive role in defeating ISIS’s territorial control in Syria, culminating in the liberation of Baghouz in March 2019.

Despite the territorial defeat of ISIS, sleeper cells continue to launch attacks in the region, necessitating continued counter-terrorism operations. The US has maintained a presence in northeast Syria, particularly in oil-rich areas, to support its local partners in stabilizing the region and preventing the resurgence of extremist groups.

Additionally, joint exercises like those conducted in Hasakah and Deir ez-Zor serve as deterrence against Iranian-backed militias, which have targeted coalition bases in recent years. The ongoing training underscores Washington’s long-term commitment to strengthening local security forces and countering both ISIS remnants and regional threats.

As geopolitical tensions in Syria persist, the continuation of these military exercises signals the US and SDF’s determination to maintain security and stability in Western Kurdistan while countering the influence of hostile actors in the region.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/873974

Firstly: US support for SDF is doing nothing to encourage the unification of ALL Kurdish groups in Western Kurdistan

Secondly: I distinctly remember the new Syrian government saying that the only people who will be allowed to carry weapons will be members of the newly formed Syrian army

Thirdly: the new Syrian government might see the US interference and the build up of combat ready forces as a threat

[Anthea]

Syrian Kurds in unity talks

Rival Kurdish parties in Western Kurdistan have agreed on important points as part of Kurdish unity efforts, a party official told Rudaw on Saturday

“In a meeting between Mr. Mazloum and the ENKS, with the attendance of the representative of international relations as well as the Americans and the French, two main points were agreed on:

to put everything from the past behind us

to set aside the problems and disagreements that existed

Nawaf Rashid, representative for the Kurdistan Union Party to the Kurdistan Region, told Rudaw. His party is part of the Kurdish National Council (ENKS/KNC), a coalition of opposition parties in Western Kurdistan.

They are in talks with the ruling Democratic Union Party (PYD) and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) chief Mazloum Abdi to resolve long-standing grievances and have a united Kurdish front in discussions with the new authorities in Damascus.

The two sides have decided that they will send a joint delegation to the capital.

The leadership in the Kurdistan Region has also played a role in facilitating the talks. On Tuesday, an ENKS delegation met with Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani to discuss rapprochement among the Kurdish parties in Syria. ENKS has close ties with the KDP.

In early January, Barzani held a historic meeting with Abdi in Erbil, also discussing Kurdish unity against the backdrop of the events in Syria, over a month after an Islamist-led coalition toppled Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeas ... /010220251

[Anthea]

Kurdish Opposition Alliance
Withdraws from Syrian Coalition

The Kurdish National Council (ENKS), an umbrella group of Kurdish opposition parties in Western Kurdistan, announced on Friday its withdrawal from the National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, citing the end of the Baathist regime

Faysal Yousef, spokesperson for the ENKS, stated that the revolution had achieved its goal with the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s government, marking the beginning of a new phase in Syria. He confirmed that the Kurdish opposition group had decided to step away from the coalition as the country transitions to a new political reality.

The National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces was established in 2012 in Qatar as the main opposition body against Assad’s rule. Its headquarters are in Istanbul, and it has played a central role in international diplomacy regarding Syria’s civil war.

Assad was overthrown in December 2024 after rebel factions, led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched a large-scale offensive that captured major Syrian cities, including Damascus. Assad fled to Russia, bringing an end to more than five decades of Baathist rule in the country.

The ENKS decision to leave the Syrian Coalition reflects the shifting political landscape in Syria, as opposition groups reassess their roles in the country’s future governance.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/874563

[Anthea]

ENKS leader and Syrian Orthodox bishop

advocate for a civil, inclusive Syria

The head of the Kurdish National Council (ENKS/KNC) on Monday visited the Syriac Orthodox Bishop of Western Kurdistan's Hasakah province to discuss Syria’s path forward

"The future Syria must be civil, ethnically and religiously diverse, with equal respect for all religions,” Mohammed Ismail, head of the ENKS negotiation committee, said in a statement.

Ismail emphasized “the need to preserve coexistence and civil peace among the region’s diverse components,” highlighting “that these components complement each other and need each other.”

The ENKS is an umbrella group of Kurdish opposition parties in Western Kurdistan. They have been in constant rivalry with the ruling Democratic Union Party (PYD) over influence in Western Kurdistan, and accuse the latter of having ties with the PKK.

Syriac Orthodox Bishop Mar Maurice Amsih, on Monday spoke about the historical ties between the Syriac and Kurdish peoples. He emphasized “the need for a civil state that accommodates all of Syria’s ethnic and religious components,” adding that the Syriac Orthodox and the Kurds “have lived in brotherhood for centuries, and repeated attempts to sow strife between us have failed.”

It is worth noting that EU agencies have in recent years reported that Syria’s Christian population has dwindled to just a quarter of its original number of two million since the start of the civil war over a decade ago.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeas ... /100220253