Statement of the Kurdish National Council on the Agreement Between the Syrian Government and the SDF
ARK News.. The Kurdish National Council in Syria (KNC) issued a statement regarding the agreement reached between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), affirming that the agreement, along with Presidential Decree No. (13), constitutes an entry point for launching a serious national dialogue between the Syrian government and representatives of the Kurdish people.
The full text of the statement reads as follows:
The Kurdish National Council considers the agreement concluded between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces on January 30 a step that requires responsible handling. It expresses hope that the agreement will be implemented seriously and in a sustainable manner, sparing the country further suffering and tension and enabling the return of displaced persons to their homes.
The Council considers this agreement, together with Presidential Decree No. (13), as a gateway to initiating a serious national dialogue between the Syrian government and representatives of the Kurdish people, aimed at achieving legitimate national rights, addressing all historical injustices, and enshrining those rights constitutionally.
The Council affirms that guaranteeing the rights of all Syrian components, on the basis of genuine partnership, justice, and equality, constitutes the fundamental pillar for safeguarding the supreme national interest, ensuring sustainable security and stability, and guaranteeing a dignified life for all Syrians without exception.
General Secretariat of the Kurdish National Council
February 1, 2026
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Kurdistan PM Says Barzani Played Key Role in Syria–SDF Agreement
ARK News.. Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said on Sunday that the president Masoud Barzani played a pivotal role in facilitating an agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), aimed at easing tensions and sustaining a ceasefire.
Speaking at a press conference held during a commemoration of the February 1 martyrs, Masrour Barzani said the president Masoud Barzani helped bring the parties closer to halt hostilities and move toward tangible outcomes.
He welcomed reports of a preliminary agreement between Damascus and the SDF, expressing hope that it would expand to restore security and stability across Syria, particularly in Kurdish-majority areas.
On Iraqi politics, Masrour Barzani said no final agreement has yet been reached among political forces on a candidate for the presidency, adding that decisions would be taken following consultations based on national interests and the higher interests of the Kurdish people.
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Barzani, Syria’s Transitional President Discuss SDF Agreement in Phone Call
ARK News.. President Masoud Barzani received a phone call on Saturday from Syrian transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa, during which the two discussed developments in Syria, including an agreement between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
According to a statement from Barzani’s headquarters, the call addressed the overall situation in Syria, recent developments, and the next steps following the agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF.
The statement said both sides stressed the importance of achieving peace and stability in Syria, reaffirming that dialogue and mutual understanding remain the only way to resolve disputes
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Mohammad Ismail Stresses the Need to Recognize the Legitimate Rights of All Components in Syria
ARK News.. The city of Qamishlo in Syrian Kurdistan witnessed an important meeting on Saturday, January 31, 2026, titled the “Jazira Forum for Civil Peace,” with the participation of representatives of the Kurdish National Council in Syria (KNC), along with a number of political frameworks and influential social figures in the region. The meeting was held within the framework of strengthening dialogue and joint cooperation among various Syrian parties.
The meeting opened with a speech by Sheikh Mohammad Abdul Razzaq al-Naif, Sheikh of the Arab Tayy tribe, in which he addressed the challenges facing the region and called for the promotion of civil peace and coexistence among all components of the Jazira region.
Sheikh al-Naif emphasized the importance of unity among Arabs, Kurds, Assyrians, and other components in confronting shared challenges, stressing the need to stand united against projects that threaten stability and security in the region.
For his part, Mohammad Ismail, President of the Kurdish National Council in Syria and Secretary of the Kurdistan Democratic Party–Syria, delivered a speech highlighting the importance of the forum as a step toward enhancing dialogue among the various political forces in the region.
Ismail noted that civil peace cannot be achieved without a shared and effective will among all concerned parties. He also stressed the necessity of recognizing the legitimate rights of all components in Syria, including the right to political participation and equality in rights and duties.
Gabriel Koriya, an official of the Assyrian Democratic Organization, also delivered a speech in which he highlighted the significance of the meeting in the context of building a better future for all Syrians.
Koriya emphasized the importance of involving all components in the peace-building process, noting that Syria’s Assyrians face significant challenges but remain determined to actively participate in political and social life in order to build a pluralistic democratic state that respects the rights of all without discrimination.
The forum reflected a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding among the different components in northeastern Syria and served as an opportunity to exchange views on ways to strengthen civil peace and coexistence amid the political and economic challenges facing the region.
The meeting also served as a platform to underscore the need for coordination among political forces to achieve comprehensive solutions that reflect the aspirations of all components of the Syrian people.
Despite ongoing challenges in the region, participants demonstrated strong determination and commitment to promoting dialogue and mutual understanding. It was evident that there was broad consensus on the importance of unity and cooperation in confronting political and social challenges, enhancing regional stability, and building a brighter future for coming generations.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants reaffirmed their commitment to continued joint action aimed at establishing peace and justice in Syria, emphasizing that these efforts must take place under a comprehensive national framework that includes all segments of Syrian society.
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Hoshyar Zibari: Syrian Government–SDF Agreement Is the Result of President Barzani’s Efforts
ARK News.. A Kurdish politician affirmed that the agreement reached between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian government is the outcome of the efforts of the U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, Tomas Barrack, and his communications with President Masoud Barzani, Mazloum Abdi, and Turkey.
Kurdish politician and member of the Political Bureau of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), Hoshyar Zibari, said in a post on the platform X that the “Syrian government–SDF agreement” confirms the constructive and positive role of the Kurdistan Region in achieving security and regional stability for the benefit of the peoples of the region.
On Friday, January 30, 2026, the Syrian government and the SDF reached a comprehensive agreement providing for a full ceasefire and the launch of a gradual integration process of military, administrative, and security institutions, aimed at unifying Syrian territory and rebuilding the country.
The agreement stipulates the withdrawal of military forces from current contact lines, in exchange for the deployment of Internal Security Forces affiliated with the Syrian Ministry of Interior to the centers of Hasaka and Qamishlخ, to begin integrating security institutions in eastern Syria.
Militarily, the parties agreed to form a new military division comprising three brigades of SDF fighters, in addition to establishing a special Kobani Forces brigade under a division affiliated with Aleppo Governorate, paving the way for the official integration of these forces into the structure of the Syrian Arab Army.
Administratively, the agreement provides for the integration of Autonomous Administration institutions into Syrian state institutions, while ensuring the fixing (retention) of civilian employees in their positions, guaranteeing institutional continuity under the authority of the central government.
On the political and social level, the agreement includes provisions addressing civil and educational rights of the Kurdish people and ensuring the return of displaced persons to their original areas, contributing to the restoration of social stability in conflict-affected regions
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Syrian Government and SDF Agree to a Comprehensive Ceasefire
ARK News.. A Syrian media source reported that an agreement has been reached to fully halt hostilities between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), under a comprehensive framework that includes an understanding on a phased integration of military and administrative forces from both sides.
According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the agreement provides for the withdrawal of military forces from contact lines and the deployment of the Internal Security Forces of the Interior Ministry into the centers of Hasakah and Qamishli to reinforce stability. It also includes the initiation of a process to integrate security forces in the region and the formation of a military division comprising three brigades from the SDF, as well as a separate Kobane brigade within a division affiliated with Aleppo province.
The agency added that the agreement also entails the integration of the Autonomous Administration institutions (“PYD administration”) into Syrian state institutions, with the fixing of civilian employees.
The source noted that the parties also agreed to address the civil and educational rights of the Kurdish community and to guarantee the return of displaced persons to their areas.
The agreement aims to preserve Syria’s territorial unity, enforce the rule of law, and achieve full integration in the region by strengthening cooperation among the concerned parties and unifying efforts to rebuild the country.
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Intifadh Qanbar: ‘Kurd Protection Bill’ Will Shift U.S. Policy Toward Syria
ARK News.. The head of the Kurd Protection Committee in Washington said that a draft bill aimed at providing relief and support to Kurds in Syria, recently introduced in Congress, will lead to a tangible change in U.S. policy, stressing that the initiative has broad bipartisan backing from both Republicans and Democrats.
According to Kurdistan24, Intifadh Qanbar said that two senior senators submitted the bill to Congress, and that the move will have a direct impact on the Syrian government. He expressed hope that the new legislation would help lay the foundations for peace and stability in the region.
Qanbar added that the proposed bill would significantly influence the stance of the U.S. administration, noting a high level of coordination between members of Congress—where Republicans hold the majority—and President Donald Trump.
He pointed out that U.S. lawmakers do not take such steps without the president’s knowledge, but rather seek to push the administration toward providing greater support for Kurds in Syria.
Qanbar also stated that the United States would not allow Damascus to enter Kurdish areas, emphasizing that President Trump now fully recognizes the pivotal and important role Kurds play in the region.
The prominent senator Lindsey Graham has formally introduced the “Kurd Protection Bill” to Congress, a piece of legislation expected to receive cross-party support as a reflection of the strategic alliance formed between the United States and the Kurds during the fight against terrorism.
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Barzani Charity Releases Sixth Report on Its Activities in Western Kurdistan
ARK News.. The head of the Barzani Charity Foundation has announced the release of the organization’s sixth report detailing the humanitarian assistance provided to displaced and affected people in the cities and towns of Kurdistan, Syria, covering activities carried out up to midnight on January 29, 2026.
Musa Ahmed, head of the Barzani Charity Foundation, said on Friday, January 30, 2026, during a press conference, that the delivery of aid was conducted through 255 trucks, with the participation of 478 workers and logistics staff involved in transportation and distribution to ensure that assistance reached those in need.
According to the statistics announced by the foundation’s head, 7,475 families benefited from various forms of aid, while the support also covered 160 schools and nine mosques.
He noted that 241,632 liters of fuel (diesel) were distributed to 6,850 displaced families, in addition to supplying 178 schools and 10 mosques with fuel for heating and operations.
The head of the foundation also stated that 25,589 hot meals were provided to residents, benefiting students in 69 schools and attendees at five mosques.
Musa Ahmed added that medical teams affiliated with the Barzani Charity Foundation delivered treatment services to 3,541 people, and that mobile medical teams carried out examination and treatment campaigns in 47 schools across different areas.
He concluded by stressing that these figures represent the cumulative total of the foundation’s activities since the launch of its relief operations in the region and through the end of January 29, 2026, reaffirming the foundation’s continued commitment to fulfilling its humanitarian mission.
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Barzani Charity Releases Special Report on Activities in Western Kurdistan
ARK News.. Barzani Charity Foundation has published its fifth periodic report detailing its humanitarian activities and aid delivered to residents of Western Kurdistan as of January 28, 2026.
According to the official report, shared via Kurdistan24, the following figures were recorded across various relief sectors:
The foundation dispatched 206 trucks loaded with diverse aid supplies, supervised by a specialized field team of 418 staff members and volunteers, ensuring assistance reached the targeted communities.
A total of 6,609 families benefited from humanitarian aid, while support extended to 150 schools, providing essential resources to citizens and students under challenging conditions.
198,657 liters of diesel fuel were distributed to 5,969 families, with additional fuel provided to 169 schools and 9 mosques to meet heating needs.
Field kitchens operated by the foundation delivered 19,979 hot meals, distributed to families in 52 schools and 3 mosques.
Health teams from Barzani Charity provided services to 3,160 individuals in need of medical care, and visited 41 schools to support students and educational staff with essential healthcare services.
The foundation emphasized that all figures are accurate and have been recorded from the start of relief operations up to midnight on January 28, 2026.
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Human Rights Watch: Pro-Government Armed Groups Committed War Crimes Against Kurds in Aleppo
ARK News.. Human Rights Watch said in its latest report on the conflict in western Kurdistan that armed groups affiliated with the Syrian government committed war crimes, including the desecration of a dead body.
In a detailed report on war violations in northern Syria, the organization confirmed the authenticity of a video showing pro-government gunmen in Aleppo, in the neighborhoods of Ashrafiya and Sheikh Maqsoud, throwing the body of a female fighter from a building balcony.
Human Rights Watch stated: “This act constitutes an outrage upon personal dignity and amounts to a war crime under international law.”
The report also revealed that government security forces launched an arrest campaign in Aleppo, detaining dozens of Kurdish civilians whose whereabouts and fate remain unknown.
According to the organization, after government forces took control of the Tishreen Dam, they deliberately cut off water and electricity to Kobani and parts of Aleppo.
Regarding displacement, the report cited figures from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) indicating that 13,000 people had been displaced as of January 18, 2026.
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