Putin and al-Sharaa to Discuss Current Situation and Prospects for Bilateral Relations
ARK News.. The Kremlin announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa will discuss the current situation and future prospects of bilateral relations across various fields during their talks.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the Kremlin said that the two presidents will meet on Wednesday in Moscow to review the state of Russian-Syrian relations and their development in multiple sectors, in addition to discussing the current situation in the Middle East.
In mid-October last year, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa arrived in the Russian capital, Moscow, accompanied by a number of ministers, where he was received by his Russian counterpart at the Kremlin Palace, in what was described as a first-of-its-kind visit.
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Musa Ahmed: Barzani Charity Aid Covered Education, Health, and Food Security Sectors in Western Kurdistan
Welat TV – Erbil
Musa Ahmed, President of the Barzani Charity Foundation, announced the latest figures detailing the Foundation’s humanitarian activities and assistance provided to displaced and affected communities in Western Kurdistan.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Ahmed said the aid programs covered multiple key sectors, including education, healthcare, livelihood support, and food security, as part of the Foundation’s ongoing humanitarian mission.
According to the statistics presented, the Barzani Charity Foundation has so far delivered the following services:
Education Sector: Supplying and delivering fuel to 108 schools to ensure the continuity of the educational process under appropriate conditions, in addition to distributing various forms of assistance to 82 other schools.
Employment Opportunities: Creating job opportunities for 289 individuals, directly contributing to improved living conditions for their families.
Food Security: Distributing 9,330 hot meals to residents across the region.
Healthcare Sector: Providing medical services and treatment to 2,749 people in need of healthcare.
Ahmed stressed that, in line with its humanitarian mandate, the Barzani Charity Foundation will continue delivering aid to various areas across Western Kurdistan, reaffirming its commitment to supporting vulnerable communities during the ongoing crisis.
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Kurdistan Peshmerga Ministry on the 11th Anniversary of Kobani’s Liberation: Unity Defeated Terrorism
ARK News.. The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs marked the 11th anniversary of the liberation of Kobani, praising the legendary resistance of the Peshmerga forces and Kurdish fighters against ISIS terrorists.
In a statement issued on Monday, January 26, 2026, the ministry said the historic victory was the result of unity and sacrifice, stressing that the heroes prevented the city’s fall and succeeded—through an unparalleled battle—in defeating one of the most brutal terrorist organizations.
“Eleven years ago, Peshmerga fighters and Kurdish combatants stood shoulder to shoulder in one of the toughest wars of the 21st century,” the statement noted, adding that with iron will, they liberated Kobani from the grip of terrorism.
The ministry emphasized that the victory was not only a military achievement, but also a triumph of life and human values over extremism and brutality. It paid tribute to the fighters whose sacrifices changed the course of history and preserved the dignity of the Kurdish people.
Reaffirming its commitment, the ministry said that with the same spirit of resistance, the will to victory will endure and Kobani will remain proud and unbroken. It also honored the souls of the martyrs, underscoring that unity and solidarity are the only path to safeguarding peace and stability.
January 26, 2026 marks the 11th anniversary of Kobani’s liberation from ISIS after fierce battles lasting more than four months, ending on January 26, 2015—a milestone that turned the city into a global symbol of resistance against terrorism.
The statement highlighted the decisive role of Kurdish unity, including the support of the Kurdistan Region, the deployment of Peshmerga forces by decision of President Masoud Barzani with parliamentary approval, and international coalition air support, culminating in ISIS’s first major defeat in Syria and the region.
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Kurdistan Region Investors Allocate 700 Million IQD to Support Displaced People in Syrian Kurdistan
ARK News.. The Barzani Charity Foundation announced on Monday, January 26, 2026, a new humanitarian initiative to support displaced people in Syrian Kurdistan, as investors from the Kurdistan Region allocated 700 million Iraqi dinars to cover essential needs of those affected.
In a statement, the Foundation said the financial contributions will be dedicated to providing relief to displaced families in Western Kurdistan, with aid delivered directly through the Foundation’s humanitarian channels.
For their part, participating investors said the support represents a first phase,
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The Kurdish National Council condemns the horrific crime that occurred in the village of Kharab Ishk in the Kobani countryside.
ARK News.. The Kurdish National Council (KNC) in Syria has strongly condemned an attack that targeted a Kurdish family in the village of Kharab Ishk, in the countryside of Kobani, killing 10 civilians, most of them women and children.
In a statement issued on Monday, January 26, 2026, the Council said the “heinous crime occurred following the announcement of a ceasefire and resulted in the killing of ten civilians from a single Kurdish family, the majority of whom were women and children, in a blatant violation of all humanitarian values, laws, and international norms.”
The KNC called on the United States and the International Coalition to assume their moral and political responsibilities, urging them to work seriously to solidify the ceasefire and take effective measures to protect civilians.
The Council also demanded the launch of a transparent investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify those responsible, and hold the perpetrators accountable.
Full Statement:
“The Kurdish National Council in Syria strongly condemns the horrific crime that targeted the families of Rasho Bozan Kadro and Mustafa Othman Qijo, members and supporters of the Kurdistan Democratic Party – Syria, in the village of Kharab Ishk on the night of January 26, 2026, in the Kobani countryside along the M4 highway.
The attack took place after the announcement of a ceasefire and resulted in the killing of ten civilians from a single Kurdish family, most of them women and children, in a blatant violation of all humanitarian values, laws, and international conventions.
This criminal act constitutes a flagrant breach of the ceasefire and confirms the continued policy of targeting innocent civilians, threatening de-escalation efforts and any serious attempts to achieve stability and security in the region.
In this context, the Council calls on the United States and the International Coalition to shoulder their moral and political responsibilities, to work decisively to uphold the ceasefire, and to take effective measures to protect civilians and put an end to such crimes, which continue to occur with impunity.
The Council further calls for a transparent investigation into the circumstances of this attack, the identification of those responsible, and the prosecution of the perpetrators, in order to restore a measure of justice to the victims of this massacre.
The Council stresses that the protection of civilians must be a top priority, and that the blood of innocent people must not be the price of any conflict or political arrangement.
Mercy to the innocent martyrs,
A speedy recovery to the wounded, And patience and solace to the families of the victims.”
Qamishlo – January 26, 2026
Kurdish National Council in Syria
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President Barzani’s Message on the 11th Anniversary of the Defeat of Terrorists in Kobani
ARK News.. President Masoud Barzani issued a message today, Monday, January 26, 2026, via the X platform, marking the 11th anniversary of the defeat of terrorists in Kobani.
The text of the message reads:
“On the 11th anniversary of the defeat of terrorists in Kobani, we extend our salutations to the brave fighters and Peshmerga who, with the support of the International Coalition and through their heroic defense, prevented Kobani from falling into the hands of ISIS terrorists, thereby recording a great victory in the history of the Kurdish people. That victory was a triumph for all the people of Kurdistan, and a victory for humanity as a whole over terrorism and darkness.”
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Statement issued by the General Secretariat of the Kurdish National Council
ARK News.. The Kurdish National Council (KNC) has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Syria and for dialogue to be the primary means of resolving outstanding issues, in a way that serves the process of building a new Syria.
In a statement issued on Sunday, January 25, 2026, the Council also demanded the lifting of the siege and all restrictions imposed on the city of Kobani, to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid and guarantee the free movement of civilians.
The KNC further urged that the Kurdish issue be placed at the forefront of the political process, and that Kurds be guaranteed effective participation in shaping the country’s future through the joint Kurdish negotiating delegation, as the representative framework for Kurdish consensus.
Full Text of the Statement
Statement Issued by the Kurdish National Council in Syria
Out of its national and political responsibilities toward the Kurdish people and all components of the Syrian people of different national and religious backgrounds, and in its commitment to consolidating stability, civil peace, and building a state based on partnership and national dialogue, the Kurdish National Council has worked, through its political relations, to de-escalate tensions and prevent the situation from sliding into comprehensive military confrontation.
This comes amid recent security and military developments, and the regrettable clashes between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian army, which have resulted in human and material losses and forced displacement that has further exacerbated civilian suffering. In this context, the Council expresses its support for and endorsement of the efforts of President Masoud Barzani, which have represented a key entry point to defusing tensions.
The Council views these efforts as a real opportunity to revive the political process and prioritize dialogue as the only viable means of addressing various contentious issues. The Council affirms that the Kurdish issue is neither a marginal file nor a temporary demand, but rather a national issue par excellence, rooted in the foundations and structural formation of the Syrian state. It represents a legitimate entitlement of a people living on their own land and constitutes an integral part of the comprehensive national political process.
Accordingly, resolving this issue requires constitutional guarantees and explicit political recognition within an inclusive national framework. While the Council continues its political efforts and communications with all concerned parties, including the Syrian Democratic Forces and the transitional administration, with the aim of consolidating de-escalation, adhering to agreements, and creating appropriate conditions for dialogue, it reiterates the following demands:
First: An immediate halt to hostilities and recourse to dialogue in addressing outstanding issues, in a manner that serves the phase of building a new Syria.
Second: Lifting the siege and removing all restrictions imposed on the city of Kobani, to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid and facilitate the free movement of civilians without obstacles.
Third: Placing the Kurdish issue as a priority within the political process, and guaranteeing the effective participation of Kurds in shaping the country’s future through the joint Kurdish negotiating delegation, as the representative framework for Kurdish consensus. In this regard, the Council considers Presidential Decree No. (13) to be a positive initial step that can be built upon and developed within a constitutional path that enshrines partnership and equal citizenship.
Fourth: Protecting civil peace by preserving the social fabric and rejecting all forms of hate speech, extremism, and incitement.
Fifth: Affirming that the safe return of displaced persons and refugees to their homes represents a top humanitarian priority, with the need to provide the necessary guarantees to achieve this.
The Council also commends the humanitarian and relief role of all organizations and initiatives supporting and assisting displaced families, particularly the Barzani Charity Foundation for its ongoing efforts to aid those affected and protect civilians.
The Kurdish National Council stresses the unity of the Kurdish position, rejects unilateral decision-making, and calls for constructive engagement in the national political process, in a manner that contributes to consolidating stability and achieving the aspirations of the Kurdish people.
The Council also calls on all Syrian national forces to seize this phase to build a just, democratic, and decentralized state that guarantees the rights of all.
General Secretariat of the Kurdish National Council in Syria
January 25, 2026
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11th Anniversary of the Liberation of Kobani
ARK News.. Today, Monday, January 26, 2026, marks the 11th anniversary of the liberation of the city of Kobani from the terrorist organization ISIS, achieved by the Peshmerga forces with the support of the International Coalition.
On October 28, 2014, and under the directive of President Masoud Barzani, Peshmerga forces moved toward the city of Kobani in Syrian Kurdistan to repel ISIS militants.
Following approval by a majority of members of the Kurdistan Region Parliament, President Barzani authorized the deployment of Peshmerga forces in support of Kobani, which at the time was suffering under intense ISIS terror.
The Peshmerga force advanced from the Kurdistan Region into Kurdistan in Turkey, raising the Kurdistan flag, and arrived in Kobani on October 31, 2014. They joined local forces on the ground in supporting efforts to defeat ISIS, then regarded as the world’s most dangerous terrorist organization.
Residents of Kobani, along with Kurds in Kurdistan of Turkey, welcomed the Peshmerga with flowers, expressing joy at their entry into the city via Turkey.
Kobani and its surrounding villages were fully liberated on January 26, 2015, by the Peshmerga forces, with decisive air support from the International Coalition.
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Nechirvan Barzani Congratulates Nori al-Maliki on His Nomination for Iraqi Prime Minister
ARK News.. Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, on Sunday evening, January 25, 2026, congratulated Nori al-Maliki during a phone call on his nomination for the post of Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Iraq.
During the call, President Barzani expressed his support and wished al-Maliki success in his forthcoming duties and responsibilities, voicing hope that the next government would reflect the aspirations of all Iraqi citizens and be capable of addressing the country’s challenges.
For his part, Nori al-Maliki thanked President Nechirvan Barzani for the call and the congratulatory message.
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President Barzani Welcomes the Nomination of Nori al-Maliki for the Post of Iraqi Prime Minister
ARK News.. President Masoud Barzani issued a message welcoming the decision of the Coordination Framework to nominate Nori al-Maliki as a candidate for the position of Prime Minister of Iraq.
Below is the full text of the message:
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,
We welcome the decision of the Coordination Framework to nominate Mr. Nori al-Maliki as a candidate for the post of Prime Minister of Iraq. On this occasion, we extend our congratulations to Mr. al-Maliki on his nomination, wishing him success and prosperity.
We affirm that we will support him in addressing outstanding issues and disputes, and in overcoming the obstacles and challenges facing the country.
Masoud Barzani
24 January 2026
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