The Kurdish National Council emphasizes the need to protect civil peace and prevent the region from sliding into chaos.
ARK News.. The Kurdish National Council in Syria is following with deep concern the dangerous military escalation around the city of Hasaka and in several Kurdish areas. This escalation is accompanied by military movements that threaten civilian security and may bring back the specter of armed clashes to places long suffering from war and its aftermath.
The Council warns of the danger of a new phase of escalation on the ground. Such developments pose serious risks to civilian lives, social cohesion, and the region's fragile stability. The Council stresses that weapons cannot replace a political solution and will not ensure lasting security or protect rights.
Calling on all parties to exercise restraint and immediately halt the escalation, the Council stresses that protecting the people of the region, preserving their dignity, and preventing their areas from being turned into battlefields must be an absolute priority that takes precedence over all other considerations.
The Kurdish National Council warns that continued military advances will only widen the circle of tension, create widespread popular discontent, and a slide towards dangerous scenarios that are difficult to contain, with serious repercussions for civil peace and stability in the region as a whole, undermining any genuine opportunity to reach a sustainable political solution.
The Council also stresses that any arrangements or understandings regarding the future of the Kurdish regions cannot be solely security or military in nature, but must be based on a clear political process that guarantees the legitimate national rights of the Kurdish people constitutionally and establishes a genuine national partnership within a democratic and pluralistic Syria.
The Kurdish National Council affirms its full readiness to assume its national and political role and to contribute positively to any process aimed at:
1-Establishing real, not temporary, stability.
2-Guaranteeing the legitimate national rights of the Kurdish people constitutionally.
3-Strengthening Kurdish unity and joint action. 4-Protecting civil peace and preventing the region from sliding into chaos.
The Council also calls on the United States of America, the international community, the United Nations, and all concerned parties to shoulder their moral and political responsibilities, take urgent action to prevent escalation, protect civilians, lift the siege on the city of Kobani, ensure the supply of water and electricity, and prepare the ground for a serious and comprehensive political dialogue that will spare the region further bloodshed and suffering.
The Kurdish National Council in Syria
Qamishlo – January 20, 2026
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U.S. Sends Firm Message to al-Sharaa Regarding the Kurds
ARK News.. The U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee has sent a direct and firm message to Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, stressing that the Kurdish people are a strategic partner and a steadfast ally of the United States, and urging the Syrian government to choose the path of reconstruction and dialogue rather than military confrontation.
In a statement published on its official X account, the committee—representing the majority in the House of Representatives—said: “The Kurdish people have long struggled for a better future for Syria and have consistently been steadfast and loyal partners of the United States of America.”
The statement included a clear warning to the Syrian president, noting that “the time has come for al-Sharaa to follow the example of the Kurds and work for the future of his country, instead of waging wars against the Kurdish people.”
The committee also expressed its full support for the position announced by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), as articulated by its commander, General Brad Cooper, who called on the Syrian army to immediately halt all attacks and military movements in areas between Aleppo and Tabqa.
The committee emphasized the need to prioritize dialogue and negotiations among all Syrian parties to prevent further escalation, stressing that political solutions remain the only viable path to ensuring Syria’s stability and future.
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President Barzani Hosts Thomas Barrack, Mohammed Ismail, and Mazloum Abdi
ARK News.. President Masoud Barzani on Saturday, January 17, 2026, hosted an important meeting in Pirmam that brought together Ambassador Thomas Barrack, the U.S. President’s Special Envoy for Syrian Affairs; Wendy Grene, the U.S. Consul General in Erbil; General Kevin Lambert, Commander of U.S. Forces in Syria; Colonel Zakaria Kork; General Mazloum Abdi, Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF); and Mohammed Ismail, President of the Kurdish National Council in Syria.
During the meeting, President Barzani warmly welcomed all participants and expressed his appreciation for their responsiveness and attendance, stressing that the purpose of the meeting was to promote peace and prevent the continuation of violence amid the current sensitive circumstances. He also emphasized the importance and necessity of dialogue, stability, and coexistence in a new Syria.
For his part, Ambassador Thomas Barrack, on behalf of the United States, conveyed his gratitude and appreciation to President Barzani for hosting and organizing the meeting, as well as for his continued support.
The participants then exchanged views and perspectives on a number of issues and highlighted a set of practical steps aimed at achieving stability
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Zakharova: Moscow Concerned Over Recent Developments in Aleppo
ARK News.. The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed Moscow’s deep concern over recent developments in the Syrian city of Aleppo, particularly reports of civilian casualties in predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods.
Speaking to Kurdistan24, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, “Russia is extremely concerned about reports of deaths and injuries among civilians in Aleppo’s Ashrafiya and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods,” stressing that “the attacks in Aleppo are unacceptable under any circumstances.”
Zakharova noted that Moscow has been closely monitoring the situation since the beginning of the month, following tensions and military clashes between the Syrian Arab Army and internal security forces in the mentioned neighborhoods, emphasizing the need to ensure the full safety and protection of civilians.
She added, “We reiterate that establishing peace and stability in Syria can only be achieved through an inclusive national dialogue, based on preserving the national charter and guaranteeing the rights and aspirations of all components and ethnic groups in Syrian society.”
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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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