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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Musa Ahmed: The First Humanitarian Aid Convoy of the Barzani Charity Foundation to Arrive in Kobani Today
ARK News.. The Barzani Charity Foundation announced that it expects the arrival of its first humanitarian aid convoy in the city of Kobani today, Sunday.
Speaking at a press conference held on Sunday, January 25, 2026, in Qamishlo, Musa Ahmed, Head of the Barzani Charity Foundation, said that more than 34,000 people in Western Kurdistan have benefited from the Foundation’s aid, which has been distributed in the cities of Amouda, Derik, Hasaka, and Qamishlo.
Ahmed stated that, to date, “114 trucks loaded with humanitarian assistance have been delivered to Western Kurdistan, and 4,000 meals have been distributed to displaced people.”
Regarding aid delivery to Kobani, Ahmed said: “Fortunately, today the first convoy of our assistance will reach Kobani. This is the result of the continued efforts of President Barzani, through the Barzani Charity Foundation and ongoing communications, to extend a helping hand to this city.”
In another part of his remarks, Ahmed addressed support for the education sector, noting that, by order of Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, fuel (gas oil) has been provided to 81 schools. At the same time, 30 additional schools were supplied with health and food kits, each containing 22 essential items.
On the number of beneficiaries, Ahmed explained that 5,827 families—equivalent to 34,227 citizens—benefited from the assistance in just one day.
He added that, in the health sector, Foundation teams provided medical treatment to 1,367 patients, while 3,500 hot meals are being distributed daily.
Concluding his remarks, Ahmed referred to meetings with the United Nations, stating: “The UN expressed admiration for the mechanism and quality of the aid and pledged full coordination to deliver assistance to all areas.”
He reaffirmed the Foundation’s readiness to provide further services to the Kurds of Rojava and to coordinate with any relevant party in this regard.
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Kurdish Diaspora Union Calls on Kurds to Continue Supporting Syrian Kurdistan
ARK News.. The Kurdistan Diaspora Union strongly condemned the attack that took place on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in the city of Antwerp, Belgium, which targeted a number of Kurdish citizens.
In a statement, the union said that the gathering was organized as a civil demonstration in support of Syrian Kurdistan, but it was attacked by several Syrian Arabs.
Regarding the casualties, the union revealed that the attack was carried out using knives, injuring six Kurdish citizens, two of whom are in critical condition.
The union confirmed that four suspects have been arrested so far, calling on Belgian police and authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and impose the harshest penalties on those involved.
It also emphasized the need for Belgian security agencies to protect the Kurdish community and prevent the recurrence of such racist attacks.
In another part of the statement, the union urged members of the Kurdish community to remain calm and adhere strictly to legal channels.
It stated: “Do not think of revenge, because the idea of revenge does not belong to Kurdish culture. We always support peace and stability.”
The statement concluded by calling on Kurds to continue participating in peaceful demonstrations to raise awareness of the Kurdish people’s suffering and to continue supporting Western Kurdistan.
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Mousa Ahmed: Fuel Allocations for Distribution in Western Kurdistan Increased to 300,000 Liters
ARK News.. The Barzani Charity Foundation has announced an increase in the amount of fuel allocated for distribution in Western Kurdistan, raising it to 300,000 liters as part of its ongoing humanitarian efforts to support residents and meet winter heating needs.
According to Kurdistan24, Mousa Ahmed, President of the Barzani Charity Foundation, said the organization has decided to increase the supplied fuel from 100,000 liters to 300,000 liters. He explained that the first phase of the distribution process has already begun, with each family receiving 40 liters of “white oil” (heating fuel).
Ahmed added that aid distribution is currently ongoing in four main areas: Qamishlo, Amouda, Girke Lage, and Tel Kocher, stressing the Foundation’s commitment to reaching families most in need.
For his part, Kurdistan Regional Government spokesperson Peshawa Hawramani said in a statement issued on Thursday, January 22, 2026, that “the dispatch of fuel supplies to Rojava is being carried out under the directives of Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, through the Barzani Charity Foundation.” He emphasized that the operation will continue until the end of winter to ensure residents’ heating needs are met.
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Fadel Mirani: The Syrian Scene Has Moved Beyond Local and Regional Frameworks and Become Hostage to Major International Powers
ARK News.. Fadel Mirani, Head of the Executive Board of the Political Bureau of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), said that the Syrian situation has gone beyond local and regional dynamics and has effectively become hostage to the interests of major international powers.
Speaking during an interview on the program “Al-Muqaraba” broadcast on Dijlah TV, Mirani stated that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) currently find themselves in a difficult and unenviable position. He noted that U.S. support for the SDF was temporary in nature and closely tied to two specific files: oil and the fight against ISIS.
Mirani added that Washington’s economic interests are the primary driving force behind its policies, rather than any commitment to Kurdish national aspirations in Syria. He emphasized that major powers pursue their interests through states and established regimes, not through partisan or political movements.
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Lindsey Graham: Growing Bipartisan Momentum in the U.S. Senate to Protect Kurds in Syria
ARK News.. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has revealed what he described as a “strong and growing” bipartisan concern within the United States Senate over the deteriorating situation in Syria.
In a post published on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, on the social media platform X, the Republican senator said there is a firm consensus in the Senate on the need to protect Kurds in Syria. “There is strong agreement on the necessity of protecting the Kurds in Syria, and the authorities of the U.S. Senate are real. Stay tuned for what comes next,” Graham wrote.
Graham also issued warnings to the Syrian government, specifically pointing to the possibility of reimposing “Caesar Act sanctions” following the launch of attacks on Kurdish neighborhoods in Aleppo, which later expanded to other areas.
In one of his posts addressing the Syrian authorities directly, Graham said: “If you want to enter into a confrontation with the U.S. Senate and permanently damage U.S.-Syrian relations, then continue. If you want to save the relationship, stop and pull back.”
Earlier, on Jan. 14, 2026, Graham stated that attacks against Kurds in Syria represent a step that “will provoke a strong response from the United States.”
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President Barzani: No One Can Attack the Kurdistan Region
ARK News.. President Masoud Barzani visited the Iraqi Embassy in Italy on Thursday, January 22, 2026, and emphasized the security of the Kurdistan Region during a press conference. He stated, "Kurdistan has the Peshmerga forces, and no one can attack the Kurdistan Region."
Regarding demonstrations by Kurds in other parts of Kurdistan and across Europe in support of Western Kurdistan, Barzani expressed his gratitude, saying, "It is truly heartening to see the Kurdish people supporting each other everywhere, and this is the best thing."
He added, "We live in a region full of problems, wars, and unrest, but I can promise that Kurdistan has the Peshmerga forces, and God willing, no one will be able to attack the Kurdistan Region."
On the issue of transferring ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraq, Barzani noted, "The exact number is not yet clear; however, it is safer for them to be held in prisons within Iraq rather than free in Syria."
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