💬 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! 🖤
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! 🖤
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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
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
rudaw.net
The lesson from Rojava: What the Kurds need to learn now
Northeast Syria (Rojava) is not a marginal episode of recent history, nor is it a local conflict that can be explained only in military terms. Rojava is a magnifying glass. Within it, historical decisions, geopolitical interests, and the structural weaknesses…
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26-01-To-the-public-opinion.pdf
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💥 And the last thing for today is this statement of TA "To the public opinion" that was published few days ago:
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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.
📌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.
💬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
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
Koban Press January 2026, 2.pdf
274.3 KB
🔖 This succinct, single-page statement from the KNK released today is very powerful. I urge people to share it widely on social media and also with any media outlets, political representatives, and other contacts people have.
Kurdish_reaction_to_the_current_situation_in_Rojava.docx
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🔖 Zaher's Analysis
Highlights 27-28.01.26
📌Ongoing clashes
The extension of the ceasefire is still preventing major military conflict. Still, clashes and attacks are taking place in the front-lines. SDF made a statement reporting an attack repelled in the mountains Abd al-Aziz south of Hasakah where at least 4 attakers lost their lives. STG forces attacked with kamikaze drones SDF positions in Chil Axa, a town in the Qamishlo-Derik road that, if falling under control of STG forces, will cut the connection between Qamishlo and the border with Bashur.
📌ISIS resurgence threat
With the instability in the region, risks for further re-expansion of ISIS are high. While ISIS was never gone, the SDF did a decent job containing it. With multiple prisons and al-Hol camp now in STG's hands, they have many more chances to regroup. According to Iraqi officials, ISIS membership has grown from 2000 to 10000 in the last year since Jolani took power in Syria. Iraq has increased its border security with Syria for worry of escaping ISIS trying to make their way to Iraq. Iraq and the US made an agreement that Iraq will take 7000 ISIS prisoners from Syria. Bagdad said it will prosecute the individuals once in Iraqi custody. The stated reason for the current 15-day ceasefire was the moving of these prisoners.
New Round of Negociations SDF and STG
On the evening of 27th of january a delegation from the SDF met with the STG in Damascus. No official statements yet.
📌Russian Repositioning
As we said in our last update, Russian forces have left their Qamishlo base. Now only two bases remain in Syria, Tartus and Khmeimim. Russian (military) power in the middle east is waning after the fall of Assad and with the war in Ukraine on going. Tartus and Khmeimim are now Russia's only two bases outside the territory of former Soviet-Union.
Jolani and Putin have met today in Moscow palace. No official statements yet. The extradition of Assad and his wife is a matter Jolani has been pushing with Moscow since his ascention to power.
📌Internally Displaced People's (IDP) Situation Critical
It is estimated by the AANES office for IDP's and refugees that about 350.000 people have become IDP's in recent weeks because of the STG's attacks. Important to note is that many of these people were already displaced from Afrin, Sheba, Aleppo, Serekaniye and Tel Abyad and now are IDP for a 2nd, 3rd or 4th time. In some place more than 40 families are allocated in a single school with nowhere near enough basic facilities or access to water and food or heat and blankets.
Aid is coming in, from the UN, Heyva Sor, Barzani Foundation an other NGO's, but it is not nearly enough to fulfil the basic needs of the people.
📌Arrest of the head of SDC
The Syria Democratic Council (SDC) condemned the arrest of Ghassan al-Youssef, deputy co-chair of SDC presidency, by the Syrian government, describing the move as arbitrary and a serious violation of political norms. The council said their decision to remain in their communities and continue political and administrative work under complex wartime conditions “was not an act of confrontation, but an expression of national and moral responsibility. (...) Targeting individuals who chose peaceful political work and holding local communities accountable for national choices that protected them from the brutality of the former regime is unacceptable and illegitimate.”
📌Ongoing clashes
The extension of the ceasefire is still preventing major military conflict. Still, clashes and attacks are taking place in the front-lines. SDF made a statement reporting an attack repelled in the mountains Abd al-Aziz south of Hasakah where at least 4 attakers lost their lives. STG forces attacked with kamikaze drones SDF positions in Chil Axa, a town in the Qamishlo-Derik road that, if falling under control of STG forces, will cut the connection between Qamishlo and the border with Bashur.
📌ISIS resurgence threat
With the instability in the region, risks for further re-expansion of ISIS are high. While ISIS was never gone, the SDF did a decent job containing it. With multiple prisons and al-Hol camp now in STG's hands, they have many more chances to regroup. According to Iraqi officials, ISIS membership has grown from 2000 to 10000 in the last year since Jolani took power in Syria. Iraq has increased its border security with Syria for worry of escaping ISIS trying to make their way to Iraq. Iraq and the US made an agreement that Iraq will take 7000 ISIS prisoners from Syria. Bagdad said it will prosecute the individuals once in Iraqi custody. The stated reason for the current 15-day ceasefire was the moving of these prisoners.
New Round of Negociations SDF and STG
On the evening of 27th of january a delegation from the SDF met with the STG in Damascus. No official statements yet.
📌Russian Repositioning
As we said in our last update, Russian forces have left their Qamishlo base. Now only two bases remain in Syria, Tartus and Khmeimim. Russian (military) power in the middle east is waning after the fall of Assad and with the war in Ukraine on going. Tartus and Khmeimim are now Russia's only two bases outside the territory of former Soviet-Union.
Jolani and Putin have met today in Moscow palace. No official statements yet. The extradition of Assad and his wife is a matter Jolani has been pushing with Moscow since his ascention to power.
📌Internally Displaced People's (IDP) Situation Critical
It is estimated by the AANES office for IDP's and refugees that about 350.000 people have become IDP's in recent weeks because of the STG's attacks. Important to note is that many of these people were already displaced from Afrin, Sheba, Aleppo, Serekaniye and Tel Abyad and now are IDP for a 2nd, 3rd or 4th time. In some place more than 40 families are allocated in a single school with nowhere near enough basic facilities or access to water and food or heat and blankets.
Aid is coming in, from the UN, Heyva Sor, Barzani Foundation an other NGO's, but it is not nearly enough to fulfil the basic needs of the people.
📌Arrest of the head of SDC
The Syria Democratic Council (SDC) condemned the arrest of Ghassan al-Youssef, deputy co-chair of SDC presidency, by the Syrian government, describing the move as arbitrary and a serious violation of political norms. The council said their decision to remain in their communities and continue political and administrative work under complex wartime conditions “was not an act of confrontation, but an expression of national and moral responsibility. (...) Targeting individuals who chose peaceful political work and holding local communities accountable for national choices that protected them from the brutality of the former regime is unacceptable and illegitimate.”
There is also a new statement from TA:
🔗https://tekosinaanarsist.noblogs.org/to-our-comrades-statement-of-ta/
🔗https://tekosinaanarsist.noblogs.org/to-our-comrades-statement-of-ta/
TO OUR COMRADES
Ten years ago, the world looked to Rojava halting Daesh (ISIS). Today, successors of al Qaeda advance into North-East Syria. They trimmed their beards and followed Turkey’s advise and direction. Taking control of the capital city enabled them to integrate into the nation state system. If you have the right suit, a clean tongue and open your markets to international capital, BBC will be there to give you a prime time interview. Just like that, now there is a new government of Syria, welcomed into the club called state system.
The graveyards of northern Syria are full of brave fighters who gave their lives to defend humanity, to halt the insanity ISIS unleashed. The comrades surviving to see their victory over the caliphate put massive efforts finding a diplomatic compromise towards peace. Yet again, in vain. The hegemonic powers only join such process if it suits their agenda. After all, they always use any opportunity to make gains for their imperial power.
In the times we live now, dominant forces impose themselves shamelessly, deaf to any complains about genocide or human rights violations. They don’t care anymore to hide how they break the rules they imposed to everyone else. Emboldened by this overwhelming political climate of say-and-do-whatever-you-want, the self proclaimed government of Syria is free to pursue its cruelest aspirations. After massacring the Alawites and the Druze, they now come back at the Kurds. With Turkish weapons in hand and EU money in the pocket they are now advancing by the minute, with the aim to crush NES and the women’s revolution in it’s totality.
Rojava did not hide itself speaking the language of capitalism and nation-states. It fought ISIS with an open face, proudly claiming their revolutionary aspirations for communal democracy and social self-administration, always spearheaded by women. Since 2015 SDF has been part of an international coalition fighting Daesh alongside many state armies. Tolerated among the states’ ranks because of sheer military power. Welcomed, as SDF was always the one doing the dirty job on the ground so imperial powers could direct drones from a comfortable place. For NES, it always was a pragmatic compromise due to existential threat, made possible only due to the size and fierce determination of the revolution.
Now, the new polished brand of al-Qaeda is able to draw a prospect of a ‘stable nation state’. And all states that have anything to say in international power games are happy to spread their arms wide, hailing a welcome to another proper, allegedly stable, state. They even guided the aggressors to engineer insane propaganda, manufacturing consent for this massacre. US does its best to get the hell out of NES. For them SDF served their purpose, they may now be killed. Other states are nowhere to be seen, except shaking hands with al Qaeda-wannabe-president.
Who is remaining to stand the ground is the people of NES. And we are not alone. SDF and many more around Kurdistan and the world are willing to stand in defence of the revolution. Make no mistake, we are well aware that we will be portrayed as “collateral damage” of a war we know intimately. A war that claimed many sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and friends. But here we are, betrayed once more and left just with our determination, desperation, commitment, and massive strength of heart.
Ten years ago, the world looked to Rojava halting Daesh (ISIS). Today, successors of al Qaeda advance into North-East Syria. They trimmed their beards and followed Turkey’s advise and direction. Taking control of the capital city enabled them to integrate into the nation state system. If you have the right suit, a clean tongue and open your markets to international capital, BBC will be there to give you a prime time interview. Just like that, now there is a new government of Syria, welcomed into the club called state system.
The graveyards of northern Syria are full of brave fighters who gave their lives to defend humanity, to halt the insanity ISIS unleashed. The comrades surviving to see their victory over the caliphate put massive efforts finding a diplomatic compromise towards peace. Yet again, in vain. The hegemonic powers only join such process if it suits their agenda. After all, they always use any opportunity to make gains for their imperial power.
In the times we live now, dominant forces impose themselves shamelessly, deaf to any complains about genocide or human rights violations. They don’t care anymore to hide how they break the rules they imposed to everyone else. Emboldened by this overwhelming political climate of say-and-do-whatever-you-want, the self proclaimed government of Syria is free to pursue its cruelest aspirations. After massacring the Alawites and the Druze, they now come back at the Kurds. With Turkish weapons in hand and EU money in the pocket they are now advancing by the minute, with the aim to crush NES and the women’s revolution in it’s totality.
Rojava did not hide itself speaking the language of capitalism and nation-states. It fought ISIS with an open face, proudly claiming their revolutionary aspirations for communal democracy and social self-administration, always spearheaded by women. Since 2015 SDF has been part of an international coalition fighting Daesh alongside many state armies. Tolerated among the states’ ranks because of sheer military power. Welcomed, as SDF was always the one doing the dirty job on the ground so imperial powers could direct drones from a comfortable place. For NES, it always was a pragmatic compromise due to existential threat, made possible only due to the size and fierce determination of the revolution.
Now, the new polished brand of al-Qaeda is able to draw a prospect of a ‘stable nation state’. And all states that have anything to say in international power games are happy to spread their arms wide, hailing a welcome to another proper, allegedly stable, state. They even guided the aggressors to engineer insane propaganda, manufacturing consent for this massacre. US does its best to get the hell out of NES. For them SDF served their purpose, they may now be killed. Other states are nowhere to be seen, except shaking hands with al Qaeda-wannabe-president.
Who is remaining to stand the ground is the people of NES. And we are not alone. SDF and many more around Kurdistan and the world are willing to stand in defence of the revolution. Make no mistake, we are well aware that we will be portrayed as “collateral damage” of a war we know intimately. A war that claimed many sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and friends. But here we are, betrayed once more and left just with our determination, desperation, commitment, and massive strength of heart.
What’s at stakes is the anti-patriarchal practice of every day life where women struggle day by day, year by year, for the next inch of freeing each other. At stakes is also the slow-built humanity of a society where the wish for freedom is the basis to organise life across ethnic and gendered lines. A society building communal autonomy, based on people’s self determination and self defence. A society where people remember how to resolve conflict with their neighbours, defending sanity against the insanity of this world. At stakes is, that NES does its best to prevent genocide of the people in its region, while those powers eager to get rid of the revolution, already proved themselves able to commit brutal atrocities.
Thus, we find ourselves again in a deeply precarious but more clear situation: On the opposing side stand we, the people. Whether in Iran putting lives on the line to finally smash the patriarchal regime, in Gaza standing up to ongoing genocide, on Turtle Island protesting ICE and an imperial state gone loose, or in NES, where currently anybody who has at least one hand and a heart is taking up arms. Against overwhelming odds, our answer is still resistance. Because in the face of death dealers, the only way to not give up life, is to fight. And we all scramble and struggle to preserve, nurture and revive life in all its beautiful forms.
We need a plethora of efforts to push back against these attacks, to struggle for freedom, to fight for life. Join the resistance! Come to Rojava, organize protests and actions against these attacks, connect people across ethno-national divisions and colonial trenches, disrupt the mechanisms of empires and occupation forces, open ways for people to move across borders, occupy embassies, consolidate community around you, conspire to overthrow your government, tell people what is happening in Syria and other places of conflict, fight back against the rise of fascism, gift each other moral support to counter despair, organise and strategise with comrades internationally to coordinate efforts.
Rojava proved that liberation is only possible through community and people’s resistance. The liberal myth of the state as a guarantor of freedom is an illusion that must die for dreams to rise. There is no alternative:
Freedom through struggle, or death.
Têkoşîna Anarşîst,
January 2026
Thus, we find ourselves again in a deeply precarious but more clear situation: On the opposing side stand we, the people. Whether in Iran putting lives on the line to finally smash the patriarchal regime, in Gaza standing up to ongoing genocide, on Turtle Island protesting ICE and an imperial state gone loose, or in NES, where currently anybody who has at least one hand and a heart is taking up arms. Against overwhelming odds, our answer is still resistance. Because in the face of death dealers, the only way to not give up life, is to fight. And we all scramble and struggle to preserve, nurture and revive life in all its beautiful forms.
We need a plethora of efforts to push back against these attacks, to struggle for freedom, to fight for life. Join the resistance! Come to Rojava, organize protests and actions against these attacks, connect people across ethno-national divisions and colonial trenches, disrupt the mechanisms of empires and occupation forces, open ways for people to move across borders, occupy embassies, consolidate community around you, conspire to overthrow your government, tell people what is happening in Syria and other places of conflict, fight back against the rise of fascism, gift each other moral support to counter despair, organise and strategise with comrades internationally to coordinate efforts.
Rojava proved that liberation is only possible through community and people’s resistance. The liberal myth of the state as a guarantor of freedom is an illusion that must die for dreams to rise. There is no alternative:
Freedom through struggle, or death.
Têkoşîna Anarşîst,
January 2026
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Highlights 29-30.01.26
📌 Agreement STG-DAANES
We already posted the latest agreement between DAANES and STG. Currently it is just a paper, each time agreements with the STG have been made, they have not been followed by the STG. But if the implementation of it will take place in the upcoming weeks, it will have major implications for what the Rojava revolution turns into. Key points of the agreement are the integration of SDF under STG command, while YPJ remaining as a separatist part, and SDF keeping separate brigades in Kobane and Heseke.
📌 Caravan in Defence of Humanity Arrives at Border to Kobane
After a week of travel, cars from various places in Europe finally reached the border with NES. The caravan is a direct support to the defence of the revolution. Before, there had been long delays at the Greek-Turkish border and a number of participants had not been let in to Turkey. Several further activists were deported from Turkey to Germany. Now, the caravan met with DEM party and makes clear that the border is not the end of the journey.
📌 Agreement STG-DAANES
We already posted the latest agreement between DAANES and STG. Currently it is just a paper, each time agreements with the STG have been made, they have not been followed by the STG. But if the implementation of it will take place in the upcoming weeks, it will have major implications for what the Rojava revolution turns into. Key points of the agreement are the integration of SDF under STG command, while YPJ remaining as a separatist part, and SDF keeping separate brigades in Kobane and Heseke.
📌 Caravan in Defence of Humanity Arrives at Border to Kobane
After a week of travel, cars from various places in Europe finally reached the border with NES. The caravan is a direct support to the defence of the revolution. Before, there had been long delays at the Greek-Turkish border and a number of participants had not been let in to Turkey. Several further activists were deported from Turkey to Germany. Now, the caravan met with DEM party and makes clear that the border is not the end of the journey.
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Evaluation
It's still early for a complete evaluation about the consequences of this new agreement, but we want to take a look on how we got to this point. At the beggining of January, when the attacks on Aleppo started, SDF agreed to withdraw not just from Aleppo but from the areas that came under control of SDF after the collapse of the Assad regime. However STG forces already planned to advance further, overplaying their hand, confident that no external powers would intervene if they played bold. SDF was in a very difficult spot, and decided to withdraw from the contact line and reorganize in their strongholds, ready to defend the core areas.
Rojava made clear that it is ready to rise up in total resistance. That if it were to become an existential war, it is ready to fight until the end. STG tried to advance in Heseke, but they couldn't. They besieged Kobane, but they did not get close to the city. Heavy clashes are still taking place in the contact lines between both forces. The new front lines where SDF decided to take a stance did not move. While STG forces already lost several armoured vehicles, the losses of the SDF are mainly from the ambushes they suffered during the withdrawal. Militarily, SDF is still a relevant force able to defend itself, as it has been proved during the last days. Politcally, the DAANES is still a relevant actor with a diplomatic body able to react to the political attacks. But mainly, the Kurdish people's response, not only in Syria but all over Kurdistan and all around the world, is what brought the transitional government to the negotiation table.
If we look at the situation of the Kurdish people in Syria at the beggining of the war, and even more if we look beyond that, what this agreement is putting on the table is an incredible step. In many ways, it feels like a defeat, because it is formalizing the control of the central state over an autonomous administration that worked and developed free of the oppressing hand of any state. But it is also formalizing some rights and recognition that Kurds in Syria never had before.
Still, more than the papers signed or the institutions involved, what matters is how much this will affect the people on the ground. Clearly, the transitional government neither has the political force, nor the people to simply take control of the administration of northern Syria. Still, the implication of this agreement means giving up on major parts of autonomy that have been integral to the self-administration. The possibility of the return of IDP's to Aleppo or Afrin is a very important part of the negotiations, and the revolutionary spirit is strong and ready to put up many fights. To avoid a bloodbath and to make space for political struggle it is an important move. The political arena can be a better ground to continue the struggle than the military force, knowing that if the doors for political transformation are closed (again), the right (and the means) for self-defense are accessible.
For sure, things will change. And clearly not for the best. The whole world is going into really dark times, but it is also in those dark times when new fires can light brigther. This may be the end of a very important chapter of the history of this particular revolution. Rojava is a proof that organizing a society outside of state control is possible also in the 21st century. That a revolution that puts women's liberation in the center can build new forms of liberation with a degree and depth never seen before. The Kurdish Liberation Movement is more alive than ever, and will continue growing and learning from what is happening not only in Rojava, but in all of Kurdistan and beyond. As we said, this is just one chapter of the revolutionary history let's make sure we write many more, let's work to make the ones that are to come even better.
Revolutionary greetings! 🖤
It's still early for a complete evaluation about the consequences of this new agreement, but we want to take a look on how we got to this point. At the beggining of January, when the attacks on Aleppo started, SDF agreed to withdraw not just from Aleppo but from the areas that came under control of SDF after the collapse of the Assad regime. However STG forces already planned to advance further, overplaying their hand, confident that no external powers would intervene if they played bold. SDF was in a very difficult spot, and decided to withdraw from the contact line and reorganize in their strongholds, ready to defend the core areas.
Rojava made clear that it is ready to rise up in total resistance. That if it were to become an existential war, it is ready to fight until the end. STG tried to advance in Heseke, but they couldn't. They besieged Kobane, but they did not get close to the city. Heavy clashes are still taking place in the contact lines between both forces. The new front lines where SDF decided to take a stance did not move. While STG forces already lost several armoured vehicles, the losses of the SDF are mainly from the ambushes they suffered during the withdrawal. Militarily, SDF is still a relevant force able to defend itself, as it has been proved during the last days. Politcally, the DAANES is still a relevant actor with a diplomatic body able to react to the political attacks. But mainly, the Kurdish people's response, not only in Syria but all over Kurdistan and all around the world, is what brought the transitional government to the negotiation table.
If we look at the situation of the Kurdish people in Syria at the beggining of the war, and even more if we look beyond that, what this agreement is putting on the table is an incredible step. In many ways, it feels like a defeat, because it is formalizing the control of the central state over an autonomous administration that worked and developed free of the oppressing hand of any state. But it is also formalizing some rights and recognition that Kurds in Syria never had before.
Still, more than the papers signed or the institutions involved, what matters is how much this will affect the people on the ground. Clearly, the transitional government neither has the political force, nor the people to simply take control of the administration of northern Syria. Still, the implication of this agreement means giving up on major parts of autonomy that have been integral to the self-administration. The possibility of the return of IDP's to Aleppo or Afrin is a very important part of the negotiations, and the revolutionary spirit is strong and ready to put up many fights. To avoid a bloodbath and to make space for political struggle it is an important move. The political arena can be a better ground to continue the struggle than the military force, knowing that if the doors for political transformation are closed (again), the right (and the means) for self-defense are accessible.
For sure, things will change. And clearly not for the best. The whole world is going into really dark times, but it is also in those dark times when new fires can light brigther. This may be the end of a very important chapter of the history of this particular revolution. Rojava is a proof that organizing a society outside of state control is possible also in the 21st century. That a revolution that puts women's liberation in the center can build new forms of liberation with a degree and depth never seen before. The Kurdish Liberation Movement is more alive than ever, and will continue growing and learning from what is happening not only in Rojava, but in all of Kurdistan and beyond. As we said, this is just one chapter of the revolutionary history let's make sure we write many more, let's work to make the ones that are to come even better.
Revolutionary greetings! 🖤
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Highlights 31.01.26 - 01.02.26
📌Ongoing Finalisation of STG-DAANES Agreement
For what is known currently about the plan to implement the ceasefire and integration agreement:
STG forces were and are already withdrawing from Heseke and Kobane frontlines.
Internal security forces of the transitional Syrian state already went to internal security forces of Kobane to discuss how this task will be done.
Implementation of further steps as counted from tomorrow:
Day 1 (Monday) STG security vehicles going to Heseke and Qamishlo
Day 2 Oil fields of NES into STG control
Day 3 Syrian Civil Aviation Authority will take control of Qamishlo airport (which before was held by Russians) and Syrian forces to NES' (only!) border crossing (with KRG/Kurdistan-Iraq)
SDF will withdraw from Heseke and Qamishlo to agreed barracks. SDF and STG allegedly started already to withdraw from Kobane and Heseke frontlines. STG forces are to move to Shaddadi.
SDF is to have a brigade of 6,000 in Kobane, and three brigades totalling 16,000 in Heseke province.
Military forces are prohibited to enter cities and villages, especially Kurdish areas.
After these steps, the Syrian transitional state will take over civilian institutions of Heseke province and DAANES institutions will be integrated into the Syrian state apparatus. DAANES and SDF nominate persons for positions in the Syrian institutions, and STG needs to approve them. SDF already nominated Nour al-Din Ahmad (Abu Omar Khanika) as governor of Hasakah, SDF official Redor Khalil as deputy to the Ministry of Interior, and SDF official Siamand Afrin as deputy director of security in Hasakeh province.
Internally displaced persons can return to their home cities and villages, additionally local officials will be appointed to represent them in those places.
Integration and recognition of educational institutions of NES and licensing of cultural organisations.
...This generally can be read as what is happening at the top of NES politics.
📌Politics From Below; What is Happening on the Ground
Generally, there is widespread confusion and uncertainty how things will develop. An impression, that the revolutionary project here would be over is short-sighted. For one, all the forces are still ready for and practising where needed self-defence on the frontlines. Secondly, even if institutions etc formally shift, all those revolutionaries will certainly not just betray their values and aspirations towards reform but remain finding ways to live up to those revolutionary principles.
📌ISIS Prisoners Convoy
A convoy of buses, escorted by a US armored and aicraft military convoy, has reached the town of Rimelan in the province of Heseke. The convoy is heading to Iraq through Semalka crossing to relocate ISIS prisoners to 'safer prisons'. At the same time, there are reports that the relocations halted over Iraq wanting to prioritise repatriations of non-Iraqi, non-Syrian ISIS foreign fighters to their respective countries of origin. Overall, only a fragment of the supposed 7,000 ISIS militants were moved to Iraq so far.
📌Humanitarian Aid Still Blocked From Entering Kobane
Just, as could be observed so often in Gaza, 25 direly needed humanitarian aid trucks carrying essential basic necessities for people in besieged Kobane are still halted at the Turkish border just outside of Kobane. For the three days the trucks are waiting there already, many representatives of civil organisations and the DEM party are holding a vigil next to the trucks.
📌Repression of Solidarity Mobilisations
Further 29 activists of the 'Caravan Defending Humanity' that arrived this weekend at the Turkish-N.E.Syrian border were arrested and deported. Before, they had read a statement and protested in the streets of Pirsus (Suruc). The official reason for the arrests is currently unknown.
Kurdish youth from Turkey, Iran, and Iraq were stopped attempting to enter NES at Semalka border crossing to follow the call for general mobilisation.
📌Ongoing Finalisation of STG-DAANES Agreement
For what is known currently about the plan to implement the ceasefire and integration agreement:
STG forces were and are already withdrawing from Heseke and Kobane frontlines.
Internal security forces of the transitional Syrian state already went to internal security forces of Kobane to discuss how this task will be done.
Implementation of further steps as counted from tomorrow:
Day 1 (Monday) STG security vehicles going to Heseke and Qamishlo
Day 2 Oil fields of NES into STG control
Day 3 Syrian Civil Aviation Authority will take control of Qamishlo airport (which before was held by Russians) and Syrian forces to NES' (only!) border crossing (with KRG/Kurdistan-Iraq)
SDF will withdraw from Heseke and Qamishlo to agreed barracks. SDF and STG allegedly started already to withdraw from Kobane and Heseke frontlines. STG forces are to move to Shaddadi.
SDF is to have a brigade of 6,000 in Kobane, and three brigades totalling 16,000 in Heseke province.
Military forces are prohibited to enter cities and villages, especially Kurdish areas.
After these steps, the Syrian transitional state will take over civilian institutions of Heseke province and DAANES institutions will be integrated into the Syrian state apparatus. DAANES and SDF nominate persons for positions in the Syrian institutions, and STG needs to approve them. SDF already nominated Nour al-Din Ahmad (Abu Omar Khanika) as governor of Hasakah, SDF official Redor Khalil as deputy to the Ministry of Interior, and SDF official Siamand Afrin as deputy director of security in Hasakeh province.
Internally displaced persons can return to their home cities and villages, additionally local officials will be appointed to represent them in those places.
Integration and recognition of educational institutions of NES and licensing of cultural organisations.
...This generally can be read as what is happening at the top of NES politics.
📌Politics From Below; What is Happening on the Ground
Generally, there is widespread confusion and uncertainty how things will develop. An impression, that the revolutionary project here would be over is short-sighted. For one, all the forces are still ready for and practising where needed self-defence on the frontlines. Secondly, even if institutions etc formally shift, all those revolutionaries will certainly not just betray their values and aspirations towards reform but remain finding ways to live up to those revolutionary principles.
📌ISIS Prisoners Convoy
A convoy of buses, escorted by a US armored and aicraft military convoy, has reached the town of Rimelan in the province of Heseke. The convoy is heading to Iraq through Semalka crossing to relocate ISIS prisoners to 'safer prisons'. At the same time, there are reports that the relocations halted over Iraq wanting to prioritise repatriations of non-Iraqi, non-Syrian ISIS foreign fighters to their respective countries of origin. Overall, only a fragment of the supposed 7,000 ISIS militants were moved to Iraq so far.
📌Humanitarian Aid Still Blocked From Entering Kobane
Just, as could be observed so often in Gaza, 25 direly needed humanitarian aid trucks carrying essential basic necessities for people in besieged Kobane are still halted at the Turkish border just outside of Kobane. For the three days the trucks are waiting there already, many representatives of civil organisations and the DEM party are holding a vigil next to the trucks.
📌Repression of Solidarity Mobilisations
Further 29 activists of the 'Caravan Defending Humanity' that arrived this weekend at the Turkish-N.E.Syrian border were arrested and deported. Before, they had read a statement and protested in the streets of Pirsus (Suruc). The official reason for the arrests is currently unknown.
Kurdish youth from Turkey, Iran, and Iraq were stopped attempting to enter NES at Semalka border crossing to follow the call for general mobilisation.
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Evaluation
Generally, roles of authority play an even larger role now, and civil and military leadership of NES are very busy working towards a political solution, with the wish to avoid further war and the lack of an alternative prospect besides total war and reformist integration. Whether the ceasefire and agreement will be respected and followed and whether its implication will work, is entirely uncertain at this point in time. Diplomatic politics are currently the preferred means, with the aim to avoid more losses due to war. At the same time, Turkey is strikingly silent and on the surface uninvolved in the latest stages of agreement making. Turkey still is at the border, always ready to invade, and can take further steps of pressure and attack if not approving of the agreement. Meanwhile, as expressed in the 'politics from below' part, what is happening on the top does not translate directly to what happens on the ground. There is an atmosphere of change and unclarity in the air, but certainly all the revolutionary principles and achievements that have been fought for hardly, will not be abandoned.
Revolutionary greetings!🖤
Generally, roles of authority play an even larger role now, and civil and military leadership of NES are very busy working towards a political solution, with the wish to avoid further war and the lack of an alternative prospect besides total war and reformist integration. Whether the ceasefire and agreement will be respected and followed and whether its implication will work, is entirely uncertain at this point in time. Diplomatic politics are currently the preferred means, with the aim to avoid more losses due to war. At the same time, Turkey is strikingly silent and on the surface uninvolved in the latest stages of agreement making. Turkey still is at the border, always ready to invade, and can take further steps of pressure and attack if not approving of the agreement. Meanwhile, as expressed in the 'politics from below' part, what is happening on the top does not translate directly to what happens on the ground. There is an atmosphere of change and unclarity in the air, but certainly all the revolutionary principles and achievements that have been fought for hardly, will not be abandoned.
Revolutionary greetings!🖤
❤1