CENTCOM: 80 Joint Operations Conducted Against ISIS in Syria Since July
ARK News.. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that U.S. and Syrian forces have carried out approximately 80 operations since last July against individuals described as “terrorists,” including remnants of the ISIS terrorist organization that posed a threat to U.S. interests.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, CENTCOM said that U.S. forces, in coordination with the Syrian Transitional Government’s forces, have conducted 80 operations targeting ISIS since July. The command noted that the group had inspired 11 attack plots or attempted attacks against targets inside the United States over the past year. CENTCOM added that the operations resulted in the arrest of 119 militants and the killing of 14 others, stressing that the goal was to prevent ISIS from reconstituting its capabilities and inciting terrorist attacks worldwide.
CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said on Tuesday: “We are committed to relentlessly pursuing terrorists to prevent any threat to Americans and to our interests abroad. We will hunt terrorists wherever they hide.”
On 30 November, CENTCOM announced that coalition forces, in cooperation with the Syrian Ministry of Interior, carried out a joint operation between 24 and 27 November, resulting in the destruction of more than 15 ISIS weapons-storage sites in southern Syria.
CENTCOM stated that on 19 September, U.S. forces killed a senior ISIS member in Syria identified as Omar Abdul Qadir, who was planning attacks against the United States.
The statement also noted that U.S. forces conducted an operation in July in the city of al-Bab, in Aleppo province, killing senior ISIS leader Diyaa Musleh al-Hardani along with his two adult sons, Abdullah al-Hardani and Abdulrahman al-Hardani, who posed a threat to U.S. forces, coalition partners, and the Syrian government.
In November, Syria officially announced its joining of the international coalition to combat ISIS, during an official visit by Syrian Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa to the White House, where he met with U.S. President Donald Trump
157
December 17: Kurds Mark Kurdistan Flag Day in Syria
ARK News.. Residents across various cities and towns in Syrian Kurdistan marked Kurdistan Flag Day on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, through public events and popular activities aimed at reinforcing national culture and Kurdish identity.
The occasion is observed annually, both officially and publicly, with Kurdish citizens raising the Kurdistan flag on homes, public buildings, vehicles, and shops.
Cities also witnessed celebrations featuring traditional Kurdish attire, reflecting pride in Kurdish cultural heritage.
The Kurdish National Council (KNC) in Syria organized public events in several cities and towns, including Qamishlo, Afrin, Derik, Girke Lage, Chil Agha, Tirbaspiye, Amouda, Dirbasiye, Hasaka, and Kobani.
Historical Background Kurdistan Flag Day traces back to a decision by the Kurdistan Parliament in 2009 to designate 17 December as an annual day of commemoration, honoring the removal of the Republic of Mahabad’s flag by the Iranian regime in 1946.
The Kurdistan flag, with its four colors and a yellow sun bearing 21 rays, carries deep symbolic meaning:
• Red represents revolution and sacrifice,
• Yellow symbolizes light and vitality,
• White stands for peace and security,
• Green reflects youth and the natural landscape of Kurdistan, while the sun symbolizes Newroz, the Kurdish national celebration.
The roots of Kurdistan Flag Day date back more than seventy years, when the flag of an independent Kurdistan was raised in Iran following Kurdish advances during World War II, leading to the declaration of the Republic of Kurdistan in Mahabad in 1946.
Kurdistan Flag Day continues to symbolize unity among Kurds in Syria and their determination to preserve their identity and rich cultural heritage.
217
Including Syria: U.S. Bans Entry of Nationals from Five Countries
ARK News.. U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing a ban on the entry of nationals from five countries into the United States, including Syria, citing national security concerns.
According to a statement published by the White House on its official website on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, the proclamation imposes restrictions on nationals of additional countries that have demonstrated serious deficiencies in screening and information-sharing, posing risks to U.S. national security and public safety. The restrictions apply to citizens of Syria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and South Sudan.
The proclamation justified the inclusion of Syria by stating that the country is emerging from a prolonged period of civil unrest and internal conflict and, while making efforts to address its security challenges in close coordination with the United States, still lacks an effective central authority capable of issuing reliable passports and civil documentation. It further noted that Syria does not have adequate screening and vetting procedures in place.
The U.S. president’s decision exempts lawful permanent residents, current visa holders, and certain visa categories, including athletes, diplomats, and individuals whose entry is deemed to serve U.S. national interests.
In June, President Trump had issued an earlier decision imposing full entry restriction on nationals of 12 “high-risk” countries, including several Arab and Muslim states. Syria was excluded from that list, despite having been included in a previous travel ban issued in 2017.
188
Damascus: Delegation from the National Coordination Body Visits the Kurdish National Council Office
ARK News.. The Kurdish National Council (KNC) in Syria and the National Coordination Body for Democratic Change stressed the importance of engaging constructively with the new phase and standing alongside the new Syrian administration in every positive stance and action, while clearly and transparently identifying shortcomings without ambiguity.
A delegation from the National Coordination Body, comprising Ahmad al-Asrawi, Secretary-General of the Democratic Socialist Union Party in Syria, Ibrahim Awad, Secretary of the party, Nash’at Tua’ima, member of the Political Bureau of the Syrian Communist Party, and Yahya Aziz, Secretary of the National Coordination Body, visited the KNC office in Damascus.
The delegation was received by Ne’mat Dawoud, member of the KNC Presidency Council, Mahabad Tiziani, Head of the Office, and Luqman Oso, Head of the KNC’s Damascus Local Council.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed the current situation in the country one year after the fall of the former regime, exchanged views on recent developments, and reaffirmed the importance of positively engaging with the new phase, supporting the new administration in all constructive actions, and frankly diagnosing shortcomings.
They noted that achievements at the popular and internal levels so far fall short of the aspirations and expectations of Syrians, stressing the need for inclusive dialogue among the administration, components, and political forces, and for deepening and expanding such dialogue in a systematic manner to frame national action in a way that serves genuine change and ensures the participation of all components and political forces in decision-making.
The delegation of the National Coordination Body emphasized the importance of reaching a comprehensive national conference and building a democratic national alliance toward this goal. For its part, the KNC delegation underscored the Council’s role and the necessity of Kurdish participation with their distinct national identity, and of constitutionally safeguarding Kurdish national rights within a Syria defined as a multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multi-religious state governed through a decentralized system.
136
Masrour Barzani Stresses the Protection of Kurdish Rights and Those of All Components in Syria
ARK News.. The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, received on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Ahmad al-Jarba, head of the Syrian Tomorrow Movement.
During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the latest developments and unfolding events in Syria and the region more broadly.
In the course of the discussions, emphasis was placed on the importance of protecting and safeguarding the rights of the Kurdish people, as well as the rights of all other components in Syria, as a fundamental basis for stability and coexistence.
143
Kurdistan Region Representation of the Kurdish National Council Meets with Pishabour Border Crossing Administration
ARK News.. A delegation from the Kurdistan Region Representation of the Kurdish National Council (KNC) in Syria held a meeting with the administration of the Pishabour Border Crossing to discuss ways of strengthening joint coordination and addressing existing challenges through effective solutions.
The delegation, headed by Asmahan Dawoud, Head of the Representation, visited the Pishabour crossing on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, where they were received by Shawkat Barbuhari, Director of the Pishabour Border Crossing.
At the outset of the meeting, the delegation stressed the importance of enhancing relations between the KNC Representation and the crossing’s administration in order to achieve the highest level of coordination within the Kurdistan Region.
The delegation highlighted the vital role of the Pishabour crossing, expressing gratitude to President Masoud Barzani, the Kurdistan Regional Government, the people of Kurdistan, and the crossing’s administration for the services and facilities provided to Syrian Kurdish refugees.
They noted that Pishabour represents the only crossing linking Syrian Kurdistan with the Kurdistan Region, and praised its previous humanitarian and emergency role in delivering medical supplies, aid, and essential services to Kurdish areas in Syria.
For his part, Shawkat Barbuhari welcomed the delegation and commended the role of the Kurdish National Council and its representation in facilitating services for Syrian Kurdish refugees.
Barbuhari affirmed that Syrian Kurdish refugees are “our brothers,” stressing that serving them is a duty. He reiterated President Barzani’s stance that refugees are on their own land and among their brothers, emphasizing ongoing efforts to provide all possible facilities and to develop better mechanisms to improve services.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Barbuhari underlined the importance of strengthening joint action, conducting field follow-ups to assess refugees’ needs, and finding swift and effective solutions to enhance the level of services provided to Syrian Kurdish refugees residing in the Kurdistan Region.
He also addressed the challenges facing the crossing and discussed ways to offer possible facilitation to travelers.
The meeting concluded with the KNC Representation presenting an honorary plaque to Shawkat Barbuhari on behalf of the crossing’s administration, in recognition of their efforts in serving Syrian Kurdish refugees.
116
President Barzani Congratulates Zakho Fans on Winning World’s Best Supporters Award
ARK News.. The Independent Administration of Zakho announced on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, that its supervisor, Guhdar Sheikho, received a phone call from President Masoud Barzani, congratulating him on the fans of Zakho Sports Club winning the award for Best Supporters in the World.
According to the statement, President Barzani expressed his congratulations and happiness during the phone call, praising the achievement of Zakho’s fans and stressing that this historic accomplishment at the FIFA global level is a source of pride.
President Barzani renewed his congratulations to the people of Kurdistan as a whole, with special recognition for the people of Zakho, highlighting that the award reflects the spirit, unity, and humanitarian values of Kurdistan’s sports fans.
118
Syria Imports More Than One Million Tons of Wheat
ARK News.. The Director General of the Syrian Grain Organization confirmed that the institution has signed contracts to import approximately 1.13 million tons of wheat, of which around 611,000 tons have already been received, while about 519,000 tons remain under import and will be delivered gradually throughout the year, ensuring the needs of mills and bakeries across all governorates.
According to Shafaq News Agency, Hassan Othman, Director General of the Syrian Grain Organization, said the institution is continuously working to diversify import sources in order to avoid reliance on a single country. He noted that the quantities currently available in mills and bakeries are sufficient for several months, adding that the organization is preparing to sign new contracts in the near future to strengthen the strategic wheat reserve.
Othman explained that the general plan adopted to secure the country’s wheat needs for the current year is based on inviting price offers, with local and international companies submitting bids. The most suitable offers are selected based on price, quantities, and delivery schedules, after which the necessary contracts are signed.
He pointed out that Syria currently relies on imports to secure wheat supplies, as the quantities procured from local farmers cover only a few months of demand. In addition, domestic annual production is not stable, making imports necessary according to demand and in line with local production seasons.
The Director General added that most wheat import contracts are concluded with Ukrainian, Russian, and Romanian sources, stressing at the same time that there are no long-term agreements to secure wheat from fixed suppliers in neighboring countries.
253
Mohammad Ismail Praises President Barzani’s Role in Unifying the Kurdish Ranks
ARK News.. The Kurdistan Democratic Party – Syria (KDP-S) held a public seminar on Monday, December 15, 2025, at al-Furat Hall in Kobani, chaired by Mohammad Ismail, Secretary of the Kurdistan Democratic Party–Syria and President of the Kurdish National Council (KNC), with the participation of representatives of political parties, civil society institutions, tribal figures, and social activists.
During the seminar, Mohammad Ismail delivered a comprehensive briefing on the importance of forming a joint Kurdish delegation and its pivotal role in representing the Kurdish cause in a unified manner, both domestically and internationally.
He also addressed the latest political developments in the region and their implications for both the Syrian and Kurdish contexts, stressing the need to open a serious and responsible dialogue with Damascus that serves the legitimate rights of the Kurdish people in Syria and ensures a just and sustainable solution to the Kurdish issue.
The President of the Kurdish National Council in Syria further highlighted the supportive role of the Kurdistan Regional Government, praising the prominent role of President Masoud Barzani in unifying the Kurdish ranks and his continued support for the Kurdish cause in regional and international forums.
157
Hakan Fidan: Developments in Southern Syria Represent the Greatest Risk Area for Us
ARK News.. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stressed the importance of joint action among regional countries and international partners to support stability in Syria.
According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan said that “what is happening in southern Syria may currently constitute the largest area of risk for us, and the core of the problem lies in Israel becoming an intervening party, which creates a dangerous zone.”
The Turkish foreign minister noted that tracks related to Syria have seen progress since December 8, 2024, pointing out that the scale of destruction in the country requires major efforts, beginning with the removal of international restrictions and sanctions, to enable the launch of a reconstruction process.
Fidan explained that the lifting of certain U.S. restrictions on investments in Syria is an important step, adding that investments have begun to move gradually. However, he stressed that needs remain vast—particularly in infrastructure and basic services—to help create suitable conditions for the return of Syrian refugees.
155
