Adnan Al-Berri: Situation of Dismissed Teachers in Hasaka to Be Reviewed
ARK News.. Adnan Mohammad Al-Berri, the acting director of education in Hasaka, has stated that teachers who were dismissed for security-related reasons and those who were arbitrarily suspended in the province are “revolutionaries,” adding that their cases will be formally reviewed.
According to the Directorate of Education, al-Berri received a delegation of dismissed teachers from the city of Derik on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Education Directorate building in Hasaka.
He described the teachers as “revolutionaries,” noting that they have been re-contracted and reinstated in the education sector under temporary contracts lasting three months. During this period, their status will be officially assessed and reviewed for a permanent resolution.
The statement comes amid ongoing efforts to address the status of education workers affected by previous administrative and security-related dismissals in the region.
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President Barzani Sends Congratulatory Message on Al-Taakhi Newspaper Anniversary
ARK News.. Masoud Barzani has sent a congratulatory message on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, to the editorial staff of the newspaper al-Taakhi Newspaper on the occasion of the 59th anniversary of its first issue, praising its long history in defending freedom of expression and the just cause of the people of Kurdistan.
The text of the message reads as follows:
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
To the esteemed staff of al-Taakhi Newspaper,
On the occasion of the 59th anniversary of the publication of the first issue of al-Taakhi Newspaper, we extend to you, and to all those who contributed to its journey, our warmest congratulations and sincere best wishes, recalling with pride journalistic and national history rich in dedication and in defending freedom of expression and responsible positioning.
Over the decades, al-Taakhi has served as a prominent platform for expressing the justice of the Kurdish people’s cause and as a bridge to convey its voice to Iraqi and Arab public opinion. It has also opened its pages to writers, intellectuals, and opinion holders, becoming a space for free dialogue and responsible expression across different stages.
On this occasion, we pay tribute to the pioneers who founded this journalistic institution, and we remember with respect and appreciation those who have passed away. We also value the efforts of its living editors, writers, and staff who have continued its mission with dedication and professionalism.
We wish al-Taakhi continued success and progress and that it remains a free and responsible voice in the service of Kurdistan, Iraq, and the values of justice, coexistence, and peace.
Masoud Barzani
April 29, 2026
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Kurdistan Region to Establish Major Sugar Production Plant
ARK News.. The General Directorate of Investment in Duhok has announced the launch of a strategic project to build a large-scale sugar production plant—the first of its kind in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region—aimed at achieving self-sufficiency, strengthening food security, and creating hundreds of jobs.
According to Kurdistan24, Dr. Haval Sadiq, Director General of Investment in Duhok, stated that the plant will be constructed in the Qasrok subdistrict belonging to the Sheikhan district, with a total investment of $110 million.
He explained that the project has secured the necessary approvals and is currently in the land allocation phase, paving the way for the issuance of the final investment license.
Dr. Sadiq noted that the factory will rely entirely on locally sourced raw materials by encouraging farmers to cultivate sugar beet and sugarcane, with a commitment to purchase crops directly from them.
He added that area’s fertile plains and favorable climate make it ideal for such agriculture, offering a new and sustainable source of income for thousands of rural families.
The director emphasized the project’s strategic importance, highlighting that it will produce 100% natural sugar as an alternative to imported and industrial sugar, contributing to improved consumer health, enhanced national food security, and reduced reliance on external sources.
The project is expected to generate between 300 and 400 direct jobs, in addition to thousands of indirect opportunities for farmers and workers in the transportation and service sectors.
Dr. Sadiq affirmed that production will not only meet the needs of Duhok and the Kurdistan Region but will also extend to exporting surplus output to other Iraqi provinces and neighboring countries.
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UN: Bashar al-Assad Must Appear in Court and Be Held Accountable for Crimes
ARK News.. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has described the start of the trial of ousted Syrian regime leader Bashar al-Assad and figures from his regime in Damascus—most of which is being conducted in absentia—as a “significant first step.”
During a press conference held by the UN office in Geneva, the commission’s spokesperson, Thameen al-Khitan, said that “the painful scenes of grieving mothers shedding tears inside the courtroom bear witness to the urgent need for a transitional justice process that places victims at the center of its priorities.”
Al-Khitan stressed that Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher al-Assad, and all those being tried in absentia must ultimately appear before the court in person and be held accountable for the full scope of crimes and violations they committed.
The spokesperson also referred to the case of Amjad Youssef, stating that the “horrific massacre he orchestrated in the Tadamon neighborhood of Damascus in 2013 requires full accountability.”
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Australia Declines to Reveal Timeline for Repatriation of ISIS-Linked Families
ARK News.. Anthony Albanese has declined to disclose when a group of families linked to ISIS will return to Australia.
Speaking to reporters, Albanese stated that Australia is not providing any support to the group, emphasizing that his position remains unchanged regarding individuals who traveled abroad and chose to support ISIS, which he said had aimed to establish a caliphate to attack democracies such as Australia.
The group consists of four women and nine children, who have reportedly secured flights to Australia departing from Damascus after leaving the Roj Camp in northeastern Syria over the weekend.
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Kurdistan Interior Ministry Issues Decision on Foreigners with Residency Issues
ARK News.. The Ministry of Interior in the Kurdistan Region has issued a new decision concerning foreign nationals who entered the region legally but are facing residency-related problems.
In a statement released on Monday, April 27, 2026, the ministry said the decision aims to assist foreigners who entered with official visas but were unable to extend their residency permits, failed to obtain them, or whose permits have expired.
According to the ministry, and based on its authority under Law No. 6 of 2009, the following measures were announced:
First: Individuals wishing to remain in the Kurdistan Region and obtain a new residency permit or renew their existing one must visit one of the residency offices within 90 working days and pay 25% of the total accumulated late fines.
Second: Those wishing to leave the Kurdistan Region and return to their home countries will be subject to the same procedure outlined above and will be granted exit visas through the same residency offices.
The ministry confirmed that the decision takes effect immediately from the date of issuance and will remain valid for 90 days. After this period, any residency violations will be handled in accordance with Instruction No. 1 of 2021.
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Nechirvan Barzani Congratulates Ali Al-Zaidi on Nomination as Iraqi Prime Minister-Designate
ARK News.. Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, congratulated Ali Al-Zaidi on his nomination and official designation as Prime Minister of Iraq, expressing his wishes for success in his upcoming national duties.
In a post on the platform X, Barzani said: “We congratulate Mr. Ali al-Zaidi on his nomination and designation as Prime Minister, wishing him success in the task of forming an inclusive national government that prioritizes the aspirations of all Iraqi people and works diligently to strengthen stability and launch reconstruction projects.”
The Kurdistan Region President also affirmed his full support for the prime minister-designate, stressing the importance of joint work and cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad to build a better and more prosperous future for all Iraqis.
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Report: Iran Inflicted Billions in Damage on U.S. Military Assets in the Middle East
ARK News.. A report by NBC News revealed that Iran has caused extensive damage—estimated in the billions of dollars—to U.S. military assets and bases across the Gulf region.
According to informed sources cited by the network, runways, advanced radar systems, dozens of aircraft, warehouses, command headquarters, hangars, and satellite communications infrastructure were struck in Iranian attacks spanning multiple countries in the Middle East.
The report indicated that repair costs alone could reach up to $5 billion, excluding additional expenses related to damaged or irreparable radar systems, weapons, aircraft, and other equipment.
Among the affected sites were Camp Buehring in Kuwait; Al Dhafra and Al Ruwais bases in the United Arab Emirates; Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia; and Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, in addition to storage facilities and ports in Kuwait.
The source added that the main U.S. Navy headquarters in Bahrain sustained significant damage, with repair costs for the Fifth Fleet headquarters alone potentially reaching $200 million, alongside damage to at least two air defense systems.
An external assessment by a U.S.-based institute also found that Iranian forces struck Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and a runway at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
Damaged assets reportedly include a fighter jet, dozens of MQ-9 Reaper drones, two tanker aircraft, helicopters, and a reconnaissance aircraft. The Pentagon has not immediately commented on the report.
It is worth noting that the Pentagon had previously estimated in March that the first six days of the war alone cost more than $11.3 billion, including $5.6 billion spent on munitions during the first two days.
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Israel Urges U.S. Not to Ease Naval Blockade on Iran
ARK News.. Israel has called on Donald Trump not to ease the naval blockade imposed on Iran amid concerns that he may consider such a step to push for the resumption of negotiations with Tehran.
According to Channel 12, Tel Aviv has recently delivered a “clear message” to the United States urging it not to relax the blockade, even partially.
The report noted that the message stems from fears within Israeli circles that Trump could take steps allowing for partial easing in order to advance talks.
Israeli officials warned that such a move would not lead to greater Iranian flexibility, asserting that Tehran would likely maintain its position in future negotiation stages.
Estimates in Israel suggest that maintaining the blockade would gradually increase pressure on the Iranian regime, affecting its revenues, deepening internal tensions, and leaving it with two options: show flexibility or continue along a path of erosion and instability.
In a separate statement, Trump said in an interview with Fox News that the war with Iran would “end very soon,” adding that the United States would emerge victorious.
He added: “If the Iranians want to talk, they can call us, and we can conduct discussions over the phone,” indicating conditional openness to engaging in negotiations.
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Terrorist Cell Dismantled in Homs Province
ARK News.. The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced that Internal Security Forces, in coordination with the General Intelligence Service, have successfully dismantled a terrorist cell in Homs and foiled a sabotage plot it had been planning to carry out targeting security and stability in the area.
According to a statement published on the ministry’s Telegram channel, the operation was the result of precise intelligence efforts. Specialized units carried out a well-planned raid targeting the location where the cell members were hiding, resulting in the neutralization of two of its members and full control over the site.
The ministry added that security forces seized an arsenal of weapons during the operation, including launchers with anti-tank missiles, sniper rifles, and automatic weapons, as well as RPG launchers with rounds, in addition to quantities of ammunition, grenades, and other equipment prepared for criminal activities.
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