Over 250 kg of Hashish Seized on Syrian-Lebanese Border
ARK News.. The Media and Communication Directorate of the Ministry of Defense announced that a border guard patrol arrested two individuals in the Qara area of Damascus countryside, near the Syrian-Lebanese border, and seized large quantities of hashish in their possession.
According to the statement, one of the detainees holds Lebanese nationality. The operation, carried out as part of border guard duties to monitor the frontier and prevent smuggling activities, resulted in the seizure of approximately 266 kilograms of hashish.
In a related development, the Syrian Ministry of Interior announced on Thursday evening that a joint operation between anti-narcotics departments in Syria and Jordan thwarted an attempt to smuggle 943 kilograms of the drug Captagon through the Jaber border crossing.
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President Barzani: Electing Iraq’s President Before Resolving PM Nominee Issue Is Unacceptable
ARK News.. President Barzani firmly rejected moving forward with any constitutional process before resolving the issue of the federal prime minister nominee.
In a post on platform X, Barzani said that “the insistence by some parties within the Coordination Framework to proceed with electing the President of the Republic, while others have yet to agree on a prime ministerial candidate, is unacceptable.”
He added, “We clearly affirm that no constitutional entitlement should proceed before this issue is resolved simultaneously, in a manner that ensures the attendance and participation of all parties in the upcoming session of the Iraqi Parliament.”
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Trump: U.S. Military Taking a Break Ahead of Next Battle
ARK News.. Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces deployed near Iran will remain stationed in the region until a “real agreement” is reached.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “All U.S. ships, aircraft, and military personnel, along with additional ammunition and weapons and everything necessary to carry out an effective elimination and destruction operation against an already significantly weakened enemy, will remain positioned in and around Iran until full compliance with the real agreement that has been reached.”
He added that if a genuine agreement is not reached—an outcome he described as highly unlikely— “the firing will be the biggest, best, and most powerful ever.”
The U.S. president further noted that “the great American military is taking a break in preparation for the next battle.”
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Syria Reopens Jedediah Yabous Border Crossing with Lebanon
ARK News.. The Syrian General Authority for Land and Sea Ports announced the reopening of the Jdeidet Yabous Border Crossing with Lebanon, with normal transit operations resuming as of Thursday.
In a statement published on its official platforms on Thursday, April 9, 2026, the authority said the crossing had been reopened following the disappearance of the risks that had necessitated a temporary suspension of operations in recent days.
The authority confirmed that the crossing will continue to provide services to travelers in accordance with established civil and legal frameworks, operating 24 hours a day, with all necessary regulatory measures in place to ensure the safety of those crossing.
Earlier, the Director of Relations at the authority, Mazen Alloush, stated last Sunday that the Jdeidet Yabous Border Crossing is designated exclusively for civilian transit and is not used for any military purposes, noting that operations would be temporarily suspended until any potential risks were resolved.
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Delay in Departure of First Hajj Convoys from the Kurdistan Region
ARK News.. The spokesperson for the General Directorate of Hajj and Umrah in the Kurdistan Region announced the latest developments regarding this year’s Hajj journey, noting that current conditions and the security situation in the region have led to changes in the travel schedule.
According to Kurdistan24, the spokesperson, Karwan Stoni, said on Thursday, April 9, 2026, that the visa issuance process has reached its final stages, stressing that “visas for nearly all pilgrims have been completed.”
Stoni added that the directorate has instructed relevant companies to report any technical or administrative issues related to visas for immediate resolution.
Regarding travel timing, he revealed that the previously scheduled departure of the first convoy on May 7 has been changed, stating: “Due to tensions and the unstable situation in the region, the departure date is currently unspecified and is directly linked to the reopening of airports and the resumption of normal air traffic.”
He further noted that the directorate’s original plan was to transport all pilgrims by air; however, the continued closure of airports may necessitate alternative options, such as overland transport by buses.
In this context, Stoni warned of the risks associated with land routes, explaining: “There are security risks and ongoing shelling in areas such as Amerli, Tuz Khurmatu, and al Anbar—regions through which Hajj convoys would pass. Despite coordination with the Federal Police, the safety of pilgrims remains the top priority.”
He concluded by noting that there is a time window of approximately 20 to 25 days before the expected start of the trips, emphasizing that the Kurdistan Regional Government will make a final decision on whether to proceed with the convoys based on an assessment of field conditions and the need to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims traveling to Mecca.
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Masrour Barzani: I Thank All Those Who Stood by Us and Helped Protect the Kurdistan Region
Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, expressed hope that the ongoing de-escalation and ceasefire between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran will hold, describing it as a pivotal step toward paving the way for lasting stability and security in the region.
In a post on the platform X on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Barzani said: “I hope the ceasefire between the United States and Iran will endure, paving the way for lasting stability and peace in the region.”
He added: “I thank everyone who stood by us and helped protect the Kurdistan Region. The attacks on the Kurdistan Region were never justified. I hope that all attacks on civilians, Peshmerga forces, vital infrastructure, and diplomatic missions will cease.”
Barzani concluded his post by saying: “The Kurdistan Region is ready to support efforts that sustain de-escalation and build on this momentum toward lasting peace across the region.”
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Natural Gas Production Returns to Normal Levels in the Kurdistan Region
ARK News.. A source at the Ministry of Electricity and Natural Resources in the Kurdistan Regional Government announced the resumption of gas production at the Kormor Gas Field, noting that national electricity supply hours for citizens are expected to improve significantly, with the situation set to fully return to normal within the next 12 hours.
According to Kurdish media sources, Dana Gas has begun resuming gas production operations at the Kormor gas field.
The sources explained that gas production rates at the field will increase gradually, which in turn will lead to a rise in Citizens اshare of national electricity supply.
They added that production levels are expected to reach full capacity within the next 12 hours, after which electricity supply schedules for citizens will return to their usual normal state.
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Nechirvan Barzani Welcomes U.S.–Iran Ceasefire Agreement
ARK News.. Nechirvan Barzani welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached between the United States and Iran, describing the step as a significant development in advancing regional security.
In an official statement, President Barzani said: “I welcome the ceasefire agreement between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran. This development represents an important step toward de-escalation, the protection of civilians, and the resumption of constructive dialogue.”
He added: “We appreciate the efforts of all parties who contributed to facilitating this agreement.”
President Barzani further emphasized: “I hope that all parties will adhere to this commitment in good faith and work together toward a lasting peace that strengthens stability, security, and prosperity across the region.”
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President Barzani: Peace Is Always Better Than War
ARK News.. Masoud Barzani expressed hope that the recent developments and tensions between the United States and Iran could open new prospects for a lasting peace, bringing an end to the prolonged state of conflict that has gripped the region for years.
In a post on the social media platform X, President Barzani stated: “We hope that this ceasefire between the United States and Iran will lead to lasting peace, security, and prosperity for our region, and mark the beginning of a complete end to the problems in our region.”
He added: “Peace is always better than war.”
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Masrour Barzani: We Will Continue on the Path of Our Martyrs in the Struggle for Our People’s Freedom and Dignity
ARK News.. Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, attended on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, a funeral ceremony for two martyrs who were killed in the village of Zargazrawi in Erbil province as a result of recent attacks.
During his visit, the Prime Minister extended his sincere condolences and deep sympathy to the families and relatives of the two victims, expressing solidarity with the residents of the village in their painful loss.
In a press conference held on the sidelines of the funeral ceremony, Barzani strongly criticized the repeated targeting of the region, stating: “Unfortunately, the Kurdistan Region is being subjected to continuous attacks and violations without any justification or pretext.”
He revealed ongoing diplomatic efforts and direct communication with the Iranian side regarding these violations, saying: “We have spoken with the relevant Iranian parties and conveyed our dissatisfaction and official protest over these unjustified attacks on our citizens and our territory.”
Barzani stressed that such pressures and assaults will not deter the region from its principles, adding: “We will remain committed and continue on the path of our martyrs in the struggle for the freedom and dignity of our people. We will not stop defending our land, our homeland, and safeguarding its sovereignty.”
He added: “We appreciate the resilience and cooperation of the people of the Kurdistan Region, and we hope that this war and these tensions will come to an end, and that our people will achieve their aspirations.”
Regarding the continuity of attacks and the position of the Government of Iraq, Barzani noted: “Unfortunately, no practical steps have been taken so far to stop these attacks targeting the region.”
He further stated: “We have been in contact with various parties within the international community, the coalition, and our friends. All have expressed their support for the Kurdistan Region and for civilians, and we hope these positions will translate into effective actions to put an end to these assaults.”
Barzani affirmed that attacks on the Kurdistan Region are still ongoing, stressing that a major responsibility lies with the Iraqi government to deter those carrying out these attacks.
He emphasized that the regional government has done everything in its power and has communicated with all relevant parties to stop the attacks and violations.
On the Iranian attacks, Barzani said: “There is no justification for these assaults on the Kurdistan Region. We have conveyed our protest to the Iranian side and stressed that the region is not a party to this war and poses no threat to any side.”
He concluded by stating that targeting the people of the region is unjustified, and those responsible will be held accountable before God and public opinion.
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