Noraddin al-Baba Reveals National Solution Efforts for Suwayda File with International Support
ARK News.. The spokesperson for the Syrian Ministry of Interior announced details of a large-scale prisoner and detainee exchange operation in Suwayda, describing it as a step toward achieving a comprehensive national solution for the province through international mediation.
According to the statement made by Noraddin al-Baba on Thursday, February 26, 2026, the operation resulted in the release of 25 Syrian citizens who had been held by what he described as “outlaw groups,” in exchange for the release of 61 detainees held by state authorities.
He explained that the move was carried out within the framework of the so-called “Amman agreement,” aimed at easing tensions in Suwayda and advancing a peaceful political solution consistent with Syrian national unity.
The ministry, particularly the internal security leadership in Suwayda, exerted significant efforts to ensure the success of the exchange, which he said brought “joy to Syrian families.”
The spokesperson added that the humanitarian situation of those released from the detention of outlaw groups was described as extremely poor, noting that the groups involved have not disclosed information regarding missing or detained individuals under their control.
He also revealed that international efforts are underway to clarify the fate of missing persons and to support a comprehensive settlement of the Suwayda file, stressing that further steps will be taken to resolve the issue and achieve lasting peace in Syria.
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Local Councils Office of the Kurdish National Council in Syria Holds Regular Meeting
ARK News.. The Local Councils Affairs Office of the Kurdish National Council in Syria held its regular meeting on Thursday, February 26, 2026, with the participation of the eastern and western regional branches.
The meeting was attended by Mohammed Ismail, head of the council, and focused on preparations for the fifth KNC congress and the formation of specialized committees to oversee its organization in the coming period.
Participants reviewed the operational plan for local councils during March, emphasizing the importance of working seriously and actively to strengthen organizational performance and improve institutional work.
The session also highlighted the importance of ensuring the success of the 2025 Conference held on April 26, aiming to align with upcoming political developments and reinforce the council’s institutional standing.
The attendees discussed the visit of the KNC delegation to Damascus and the meetings held with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The meeting also reviewed the delegation’s visit to Qatar and its political significance in the context of strengthening diplomatic relations and intensifying political engagement.
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Kurdistan Region Officially Joins International Minifootball Federation
ARK News.. The Ministry of Culture and Youth of the Kurdistan Region announced that the region has officially joined the International Minifootball Federation (IMF), becoming a recognized member eligible to participate in its international tournaments under the name “Kurdistan National Team” and the region’s flag.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, the ministry said the decision followed the completion of formal procedures and the submission of a membership request by the General Directorate of Sports. The IMF approved the application, enabling Kurdistan’s national teams to compete in the Minifootball World Cup at both girls’ and boys’ levels.
Hosting Women’s World Cup Boosted Membership Bid
The ministry explained that the move came after Erbil's success in hosting the Women’s Minifootball World Cup in September last year, under the supervision of the Kurdistan Regional Government and the sponsorship of the Ministry of Culture and Youth.
The tournament attracted significant international attention. The final, held on Sept. 22 in Erbil, saw Egypt defeat Brazil on penalties to claim the title.
During the tournament’s opening ceremony, IMF President Mohammed l-Dusari said the selection of Erbil as host city reflected the stability and favorable environment the Kurdistan Region offers for international sporting events.
With its new membership, the Kurdistan Region takes another step toward strengthening its presence on the international sports stage by participating in global Minifootball competitions.
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Zaki Akturk: Turkey Monitoring U.S. Activities in Syria and Iraq
ARK News.. The spokesperson for the Turkish Ministry of National Defense stated that the ministry is closely monitoring United States activities in Syria and Iraq in coordination with relevant authorities in Turkey.
Zaki Akturk commented on the reported U.S. withdrawal from Syria, saying: “It is believed that Syria’s accession to the International Coalition against ISIS as its 90th member, along with the increasing influence of the Syrian government in the country, may have influenced the United States’ reassessment of its military presence in Syria.”
He added: “We are closely monitoring U.S. activities in Syria and Iraq, as we do with all developments in the region, in coordination with the relevant institutions in our country.”
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Al-Shaibani and Barrack Discuss Steps for SDF Integration
The Syrian Foreign Minister and the U.S. special envoy to Syria discussed practical steps regarding the integration of the SDF into Syrian state institutions.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry announced in a statement that Assad Al-Shaibani and Tom Barrack met in Damascus. Both sides stressed the unity and sovereignty of Syrian territory.
According to the statement, the practical steps for integrating the SDF into government institutions were reviewed during the meeting. The ministry added that the talks focused on the importance of supporting Syria in the fight against ISIS.
The statement also noted that the two sides discussed the necessary logistical and political arrangements to reactivate the Syrian embassy in Washington.
Lastly, according to the ministry, Barrack affirmed the interest of major American companies in contributing to Syria's economic recovery, especially in the oil and energy sectors.
Al-Shaibani and Barrack Discuss Steps for SDF Integration
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Hasaka Among Syrian Regions with Highest Recorded Cancer Cases
ARK News.. Hasaka Governorate continues to record high numbers of cancer patients, with many individuals forced to travel long distances in search of treatment and specialized care.
According to recent data issued by al-Birouni University Hospital in Damascus, the eastern provinces still account for a significant proportion of oncology department referrals. Hasaka ranks among the areas with the highest number of cases referred for treatment, alongside Deir Ez-Zour.
According to the Kurdish National Council website, a specialist oncologist at al-Birouni Hospital stated that the figures recorded this year remain close to last year’s levels, without sudden spikes. However, the rate of cases remains high compared to normal averages, raising concern among medical staff.
The source noted that the spread of the disease is not limited to medical factors alone but is also linked to surrounding environmental conditions. Air pollution caused by the widespread use of private generators and unregulated waste-burning sites, as well as the use of low-quality fuels, has negatively impacted public health and may contribute to long-term health risks.
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J.D. Vance: Donald Trump Holds Special Affection for the Kurds
ARK News.. The Vice President of the United States praised the Kurdish people and highlighted the strong ties between the Trump administration and the Kurds, stating that Donald Trump holds a special affection for them and that solid bonds of friendship connect both sides.
J. D. Vance said: “Donald Trump loves the Kurds, and the entire Trump administration enjoys friendship and excellent relations with the Kurds across the world.”
Vance outlined the administration’s vision for the Middle East, stating: “Our goal is for Kurds, Arabs, Jews, and Christians to live together in peace, harmony, and prosperity.”
The U.S. Vice President emphasized that this approach will serve as a central pillar of their foreign policy toward Syria and the broader region.
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Attacks Target Several Syrian Government Military and Security Sites
ARK News.. A media source reported that several military and security positions affiliated with the Syrian government were targeted in separate attacks in al-Baghouz, al-Sousa, and al-Bukamal in Deir Ez-Zour province, as well as in Qardaha in Latakia province.
According to RT, local sources in Deir Ez-Zour said that a military headquarters and a security checkpoint belonging to Syria’s Ministry of Defense were targeted by fighters from the Islamic State (ISIS) in the towns of Al-Baghouz and al-Sousa in eastern Deir Ez-Zour.
The source added that unidentified gunmen opened fire with machine guns on a facility belonging to the 86th Division in Al-Bukamal, eastern Deir Ez-Zour. No information on casualties or material damage has been reported so far.
In a separate incident, armed individuals riding a motorcycle reportedly threw a grenade at the Qardaha police station. Officers responded by opening fire, with no confirmed reports of injuries.
These incidents follow the circulation of an audio recording attributed to ISIS spokesperson Abu Huzhaifa al-Ansari, released days earlier, which reportedly included indications of efforts to reactivate the group’s sleeper cells in the region and threats against the Syrian government.
For his part, Noraddin al-Baba, spokesperson for Syria’s Interior Ministry, stated that ISIS will not return to Syria due to the restoration of stability in the country, emphasizing that Syria’s counter terrorism experience has proven effective.
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Lebanon Launches Phase 15 of Plan for the Return of Syrian Refugees
ARK News.. The Lebanese General Security has organized the fifteenth phase of the Lebanese government’s plan for the organized return of Syrian refugees, through the Masnaa border crossing with Syria.
The latest group departed from the Bekaa region via the Masnaa Border Crossing, as individual returns continue on a daily basis. The Masnaa crossing has witnessed the passage of dozens of buses carrying displaced Syrians who have decided to return home after years of displacement.
According to LBCI, General Security records the departure of approximately 600 Syrian refugees per day, amid facilitation measures introduced by the agency over the past year and recently extended until the end of March.
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Masrour Barzani Receives German Delegation Led by Deputy Foreign Minister
ARK News.. Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani, received a German delegation on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, headed by Géza Andreas von Geyr, State Secretary at the German Federal Foreign Office.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations across various fields. Prime Minister Barzani expressed his sincere appreciation for Germany’s continued support and assistance to the Kurdistan Region, reiterating his commitment to further advancing ties between the Region and Germany.
In another part of the discussion, the two sides stressed the need to enhance international cooperation and coordination to confront the ongoing threats posed by Islamic State (ISIS) in both Iraq and Syria.
The meeting also included an exchange of views on the overall situation in Iraq and the wider region, highlighting ongoing efforts and dialogues aimed at electing a President of the Republic and forming both the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government.
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