United Nations Stresses the Need to Investigate Crimes Committed Against Civilians in Aleppo
ARK News.. The United Nations has expressed concern over the ongoing developments, stressing the necessity of investigating crimes committed against civilians in the city of Aleppo.
Farhan Haqq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said that the fighting in Aleppo has displaced approximately 120,000 people, while reports indicate that around 30,000 displaced persons have returned to their homes.
Haqq noted that conditions in the neighborhoods of Ashrafiya and Sheikh Maqsoud have seen slight improvement, but significant challenges remain, foremost among them the need to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance left behind by the recent days of fighting.
He also voiced the organization’s concern over reports of damage to residential areas as a result of military operations, emphasizing that crimes committed against civilians must be investigated.
Regarding the future of Syria’s communities, Haqq stressed that the United Nations has urged the Syrian authorities, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, to build an inclusive and representative system of governance. He underscored the importance of forming a government in which all Syrians feel fairly represented.
Haqq added that the United Nations encourages any process that adopts dialogue as a means of engagement instead of violence, emphasizing that Syria is home to diverse communities and components, all of which need to feel a sense of belonging to the country.
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Nechirvan Barzani: The Kurdistan Region Fully Supports the Rights of Kurds and All Components in Syria
ARK News.. Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, met on Wednesday evening, January 14, 2026, with Patrick Durel, Ambassador of France to Iraq, accompanied by a delegation. The meeting discussed bilateral relations, the internal situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and the latest regional developments.
Both sides expressed hope that the procedures for electing the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Iraq would take place within the constitutional timeframes, leading to the formation of a government that meets citizens’ aspirations and is capable of addressing current challenges. They also reaffirmed the importance of expediting the formation of the new cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government.
The two sides voiced concern over the tense situation in the region and agreed on the importance of safeguarding security and stability, resolving problems through dialogue and diplomatic means. In this context, they emphasized that rising tensions and armed confrontations further complicate the regional landscape.
Regarding developments in Syria, President Nechirvan Barzani stressed that the Kurdistan Region fully supports the rights of Kurds and all components in Syria. He said that since the outbreak of events in Aleppo, efforts have been made with all parties to halt the fighting and preserve stability, and that these efforts to de-escalate tensions are ongoing.
For his part, the French ambassador reaffirmed his country’s support for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and praised President Nechirvan Barzani’s efforts to promote security and stability.
The peace process in Turkey, along with a number of issues of mutual interest, constituted another axis of the meeting, which was also attended by Mr. Yann Brim, France’s Consul General in the Kurdistan Region.
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U.S. Congressman Praises President Barzani’s Role in De-escalating Tensions in Syria
ARK News.. U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson said that the recent phone call between Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa played a significant role in easing tensions in Syria, noting that the Kurdistan Region could serve as a model for Kurds in Syria.
In a media statement, Wilson described the phone conversation between President Barzani and President al-Sharaa as highly important in helping to calm the volatile situation in the country.
The congressman expressed his belief that the experience of the Kurdistan Region could represent a successful model
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Coalition of Kurdistanis Parties to Organize Demonstration in Support of Kurds in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya, Aleppo
ARK News.. The Coalition of Kurdistanis Parties (Hevkarî) has decided to organize a demonstration in support of Kurds in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya neighborhoods of Aleppo, and in solidarity with the uprising in Eastern Kurdistan against the Iranian regime.
The Coalition of Kurdistanis Parties (Hevkarî) held its regular meeting in the Dutch city of Arnhem, with the participation of 14 parties representing the four parts of Kurdistan.
Participants discussed and reviewed last year’s activities, developed a work plan for the current year, and outlined future programs and events. The meeting concluded with the following decisions:
Organizing a demonstration in the Netherlands in solidarity with the residents of the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya neighborhoods in Aleppo, and reaffirming full support for the uprising in Eastern Kurdistan and Iran against the repressive policies of the Iranian regime.
Continuing the annual commemoration of Kurdish national occasions, foremost among them: the anniversary of the declaration of the Republic of Mahabad (January 22), the anniversary of the Halabja massacre (March 16), Newroz (March 21), and Kurdish Flag Day (December 17).
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Higher Committee of the "Hevkarî" Coalition was elected, with changes made to the representatives of the four parts of Kurdistan.
The meeting also issued a statement condemning the military operation carried out by the Syrian government against the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya neighborhoods in Aleppo, as well as a statement denouncing and condemning the repression practiced by the Iranian regime against protesters in Eastern Kurdistan and Iran.
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Barzani Charity Warns of the Serious Humanitarian Situation of Displaced Persons from Ashrafiya and Sheikh Maqsoud
ARK News.. Barzani Charity has warned of the severe humanitarian situation facing people displaced by the fighting in Aleppo, stressing the urgent need for psychological and medical support for displaced families in shelters, in addition to daily humanitarian assistance for those fleeing the fighting. The foundation highlighted the necessity of providing medical aid and medicines, revealing the scale of suffering among the displaced population.
Barzani Charity announced that it has provided 4,500 food baskets to the displaced, and that mobile nursing teams, along with five medical teams, have been deployed to camps and displacement sites. These teams are delivering healthcare services and supporting health centers in villages surrounding Aleppo city to cope with the large numbers of displaced people.
The foundation added that while the assistance delivered to the displaced in northern Aleppo is essential, it continues its efforts to provide psychological support to children displaced from Aleppo areas.
According to information published by Barzani Charity regarding its assistance in Aleppo, the support included the provision of essential food supplies, basic living items, and other necessities for families.
Barzani Charity stated that more than 22,000 families—around 110,000 people—were displaced within just a few hours to the city of Afrin, creating an urgent need for large-scale shelter facilities.
The foundation warned of a looming humanitarian catastrophe as winter cold waves continue, accompanied by rainfall and snowfall in mountainous areas, negatively affecting the health of the displaced, especially women, children, and the elderly
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In addition, Barzani Charity pointed to the risk of disease outbreaks among displaced people in camps, noting that the psychological conditions of women and children have deteriorated alarmingly, with an urgent need for immediate psychosocial support.
Few days ago, Barzani Charity launched emergency appeals for donations and humanitarian aid for those displaced by the Syrian Arab Army’s attack on Aleppo, which has further worsened the situation amid shortages of food supplies and the pressing need to provide essential items for residents displaced from the Ashrafiya and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods.
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President Barzani: We Are Making Serious Efforts to Resolve All Problems in Syria Peacefully Through Dialogue
ARK News.. President Masoud Barzani reiterated that serious efforts are being made to resolve all problems in Syria through peaceful means, dialogue, and mutual understanding, away from violence.
This came during President Barzani’s meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in Pirmam, with a delegation from the United States Embassy in Iraq, headed by Joshua Harris, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
The meeting was also attended by Guendalina Green, the U.S. Consul General in Erbil. During the meeting, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires extended his congratulations to President Barzani and the people of Kurdistan on the occasion of the New Year, and briefed him on the political process in Iraq following the parliamentary elections, relations among Iraqi political forces, and ongoing efforts to form a unified federal government in Iraq.
The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires also highlighted regional developments and tensions in Syria, commending President Barzani’s continued efforts to support and advance the political process in Iraq and to help calm tensions in Syria.
For his part, President Barzani welcomed the visiting delegation and extended his New Year greetings.
Regarding the situation in Iraq, President Barzani affirmed that he would spare no effort to enhance coordination and cooperation among political parties, achieve satisfactory outcomes, and form a strong federal government. He stressed the importance of continuing efforts to address all obstacles and disputes among political forces, as well as resolving outstanding issues between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government.
With regard to Syria and the challenges facing the region in general, President Barzani once again emphasized the need to make serious efforts to resolve all problems through peaceful means, dialogue, and mutual understanding, away from violence.
The meeting also addressed relations between the Kurdistan Region and the United States, as well as efforts to sustain and further strengthen these ties.
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Foiled Attempt to Smuggle a Large Shipment of Narcotic Pills in Rural Damascus
ARK News.. Syria’s Anti-Narcotics Department announced that it has foiled an attempt to smuggle a large shipment of narcotic pills in the countryside of Damascus.
According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the Anti-Narcotics Department thwarted, on Monday, January 12, 2026, an attempt to smuggle a large shipment of narcotic pills in the city of Yabroud in rural Damascus, following a security operation carried out by its specialized units.
The agency reported that the seized shipment included approximately 650,000 Captagon pills, which were prepared for smuggling using 226 aerial balloons.
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Tirbaspiye: Selection of Delegates for the Fifth Congress of the Kurdish National Council in Syria
ARK News.. The Kurdish National Council (KNC) in Syria, in the city of Tirbaspiye in Syrian Kurdistan, reviewed the latest developments on the Syrian scene in general, with a particular focus on Kurdish affairs.
A preparatory meeting was held at the Tirbaspiye Local Council of the Kurdish National Council in Syria as part of the preparations for convening the fifth congress of the KNC.
The meeting was attended by Faisal Youssef, a member of the KNC Presidential Council, and Nashat Zaza, head of the Office of Local Councils Affairs of the KNC, in addition to a number of independent national figures.
During the meeting, Faisal Youssef highlighted the latest developments and political dynamics in Syria at large, with special emphasis on Kurdish issues. He also reviewed the current situation in the two Kurdish neighborhoods of Aleppo, Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiya.
At the conclusion of the meeting, a vote was held to elect the representatives who will participate as delegates on behalf of the local council in the proceedings of the fifth congress of the Kurdish National Council in Syria.
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Afrin: Kurdish National Council Organizes Return Convoy for Displaced Residents of Ashrafiya and Sheikh Maqsoud
ARK News.. The Afrin Local Council of the Kurdish National Council (KNC) in Syria announced that it will organize a return convoy from Afrin to the Ashrafiya and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods in the city of Aleppo.
According to a statement reviewed by Ark News, the Afrin Local Council of the KNC, in coordination with the Afrin area administration, will dispatch a “return convoy” to Aleppo’s Ashrafiya and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., departing from Afrin’s main bus station.
The statement added that those wishing to return to Aleppo are requested to be present at the Afrin bus station at 11:00 a.m.
Ahmed Hassan, head of the Afrin Local Council of the Kurdish National Council in Syria, said on Monday that the KNC would work to organize a return convoy for displaced residents from Afrin back to the Ashrafiya neighborhood in Aleppo, following coordination with the relevant authorities in the city.
Hassan noted that approximately 150,000 people were displaced from the Ashrafiya and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods of Aleppo toward Afrin as a result of the armed clashes that took place in recent weeks.
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President Barzani Calls for an End to Campaigns Targeting Syrian Arabs Residing in the Kurdistan Region
ARK News.. President Masoud Barzani has called for an immediate end to campaigns targeting Syrian Arab residents in the Kurdistan Region, in the wake of recent events in the Syrian city of Aleppo.
Below is the full text of President Barzani’s message:
Message from President Barzani
In the Name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate,
In reaction to the events that have taken place in the city of Aleppo over the past few days, it is regrettable that some media platforms and social media outlets, among others, have launched campaigns against Syrian Arab citizens residing in the Kurdistan Region.
Such campaigns and behaviors are inappropriate and misplaced. They do not, in any way, align with the principles and values of the people of Kurdistan, and they also contradict the general policy and vision of the institutions of the Kurdistan Region.
In truth, it is unacceptable to place the blame for a crime committed by one group on others who have no connection to it. Rather, refugees and Syrian Arab citizens who have sought refuge in and are living in the Kurdistan Region must be respected. These illegitimate campaigns must be ended, and the relevant authorities must work to prevent the recurrence of such behaviors.
Masoud Barzani
12 January 2026
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