MIT reports transfer of senior ISIS member from Syria to Turkey

Service Turkey - Turkish security sources announced that the country's intelligence agency (MIT) has arrested and transferred to Turkey a senior ISIS member, Talib Guler, known by the alias "Abdulsalam Turki", in an operation in Syria.

Syrian Border Crossings Authority:

Visas issued at Samalka crossing are valid throughout Syria

Syria Service - The Syrian Border Crossings Authority, emphasizing the official nature of the Samalka crossing, announced that visas issued at this crossing are valid in all Syrian provinces.

Mazoum Abdi Condoles on the Death of Lindsey Graham

Syria Service - SDF Commander-in-Chief Mazloum Abdi issued a message of condolences on the passing of US Senator Lindsey Graham, praising his support for the Kurds and his efforts for peace and justice in Syria, describing these actions as lasting and historic.

Eight Syrian Kurdish parties call for cancellation of the "Arab Belt" plan and restoration of historical Kurdish names

Syria Service - Eight parties that are members of the Consultative Meeting of Syrian Kurdish Parties issued a statement calling on the new Syrian government to cancel all consequences of the Arabization policies of the Baathist regime, including the "Arab Belt" plan, return historical Kurdish names to Kurdish-populated areas, and compensate for the lost rights of the Kurdish people.

Mohsen Ghadermarzi, PhD in Geopolitics and Fellow at the Institute for International Energy Studies:

Kurdistan Region in the New Energy Order of the Middle East; From Crisis to Opportunity

The rapid geopolitical shifts in the Middle East—from the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria and escalating military tensions with Iran to the unprecedented disruption in the Strait of Hormuz—have fundamentally transformed the region's energy equations. In this new order, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has emerged as a strategic focal point, playing a role far beyond that of an autonomous enclave in northern Iraq.

Pezhdar Altan:

Syria Has Become an Arena for Covert Rivalry Between Turkey, the US, and Israel

Syria Service – In a commentary examining recent developments in Syria—including Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Damascus and the explosions that coincided with it—Kurdish journalist Pezhdar Altan analyzed the security and intelligence rivalries among Turkey, the US, Israel, and other regional actors, while also addressing claims regarding Ankara’s role in these events.

Messages and Implications of the Damascus Bombing Coinciding with Macron’s Visit

World Service – In an analysis of the explosions that coincided with Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Damascus, the German Center for Kurdish Studies views these attacks not so much as military operations, but rather as an attempt to convey a political and security-related message; the aim is to undermine the ability of Ahmad al-Shara’s transitional government to ensure security and to cast doubt on the future of investment and the normalization of relations between Syria and the West.

The Kurds; The Connecting Link in the New U.S. Strategy for Iraq, Syria, and Turkey

Analyses indicate that Washington is shaping a new order in West Asia anchored in energy, trade, and regional connectivity corridors. Within this framework, the Kurds act not as a single, monolithic player, but rather as connecting links between Iraq, Syria, and Turkey.

Syrian Interim Government Must Clarify the Fate of Thousands of Missing Detainees

Syria Service – Following a week-long visit to the country, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria issued a report calling for the clarification of the fate of thousands of detainees and missing persons, accountability for human rights violators, and the acceleration of the transitional justice process.

Kobanî University Hosts Kurdish Art and Folklore Festival

Syria Service – Kobanî University hosted hundreds of students, researchers, and academics at a two-day festival dedicated to art and folklore—an event organized to honor Kurdish cultural heritage, boost student morale, and pass this legacy on to future generations.

Al-Sharaa Bets on the Kurdish National Council of Syria

World Service – By excluding the Democratic Union Party (PYD) from parliament and allocating the Kurdish seat to the Kurdish National Council of Syria, the president of the Syrian transitional government has sent a clear signal regarding his preferred partner among the Kurds—a move that could jeopardize efforts to maintain the political unity of Syrian Kurds.

Mass Gathering by Kobani Residents to Demand Official Recognition of the City's Historic Name

Syria Service – Residents of Kobani in Syrian Kurdistan held a large-scale gathering to demand the official registration of the historic name "Kobani" in all Syrian government documents and correspondence, emphasizing that the name is integral to the city's identity and history, as well as a global symbol of its people's resistance.

Trump Notifies Congress of Plan to Remove Syria from State Sponsors of Terrorism List

Syria Desk – The U.S. President has initiated the legal process to remove Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism by formally notifying Congress of his decision; if granted final approval following a 45-day review period, this move could mark a turning point in Washington's policy toward Damascus and the process of normalizing relations between the two nations.

64 Civilians Killed in Syria During First Week of July

Syria Service – The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that during the first week of July 2026, at least 64 civilians lost their lives across various parts of the country due to criminal acts, ISIS attacks, sporadic gunfire, the explosion of war remnants, and operations by certain security forces.

Ahmad al-Sharaa Arrives in Ankara to Attend NATO Summit and Meet International Officials

Syria Desk – Ahmad al-Sharaa, head of the Syrian Interim Government, arrived in Ankara on Wednesday to attend the NATO summit and hold meetings with a number of international leaders and officials, including Donald Trump.

Ilham Ahmed:

Democratic Integration in Syria Cannot Be Achieved Without Guaranteeing the Rights of Kurds and Women

Syria Service – Ilham Ahmed, Co-chair of the Department of Foreign Relations of the Autonomous Administration, emphasized the ongoing process of integrating military forces and Autonomous Administration institutions into the Syrian structure. She stated that realizing a democratic system requires guaranteeing the rights of Kurds and women, recognizing mother-tongue education, and ensuring their genuine participation in decision-making structures; furthermore, the representation of Kurds and women must not be limited to mere tokenism or statistical inclusion.

The Role of Kurdish Women in Syria’s New Army

World News Desk – Women who fought on the front lines in the battles of Kobani and Raqqa—and against ISIS—now have no place in the new army of post-Assad Syria. While thousands of male Kurdish fighters have been integrated into Damascus's military structure, the future of Syria's female Kurdish forces remains shrouded in uncertainty.

Macron and Al-Sharaa Emphasize Expanding Economic Cooperation

Syria Desk – During a meeting in Damascus with the head of the Syrian interim government, the French President emphasized the expansion of economic cooperation, the signing of joint agreements, and France's participation in Syria's reconstruction process. The two sides announced the expansion of cooperation in the energy, transport, infrastructure, and banking sectors, as well as the involvement of Persian Gulf states in joint projects.

What benefit does Macron's trip to Syria hold for the Kurds?

World Service – Contrary to the expectations of some Kurdish circles, Emmanuel Macron's visit to Damascus is unlikely to mark a turning point in French support for Syrian Kurds. An analysis by *National Context* indicates that diminishing Western influence, Turkey's prominent role, and shifting European priorities have tied Paris's hands regarding practical support for the Kurds.

Damascus Explosions Coincide with Macron’s Visit; Security Measures Tightened

Syria Desk – At least two explosions in central Damascus, occurring simultaneously with French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Syria, led to a tightening of security measures in the capital; however, his meeting with Ahmad al-Sharaa proceeded as scheduled.

French President Arrives in Damascus

Syria Desk – Emmanuel Macron arrived in Damascus—marking the first visit by a French president to Syria since 2008—and was welcomed by the Syrian Foreign Minister.

From the Battlefield to Parliament:

The Syrian Kurds' Share of Power

World Desk – The announcement of a list of 12 Kurdish representatives in Syria's new parliament has once again raised the question of whether the Kurds—after playing a significant role in Syrian events for years—have managed to secure a position in the new power structure commensurate with their political and demographic weight.

Attacks by Syrian Interim Government Forces on Suwayda Leave One Dead and Several Wounded

Syria Desk – The command of the "National Guard" forces—affiliated with Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri in Suwayda—announced that attacks by Syrian Interim Government forces on the city's residential areas, involving drones and heavy weaponry, resulted in one death and injuries to a number of civilians and members of the force.

Democratic Union Party (PYD):

The process of forming the Syrian People's Assembly does not reflect the true will of society.

Syria Desk – Criticizing the process of forming the Syrian People's Assembly, the Democratic Union Party (PYD) stated that the mechanism for selecting the body's members failed to ensure genuine representation for the various segments of Syrian society. Expressing concern over the continued marginalization of Kurds, the party called for the adoption of a democratic approach and guarantees for the equitable participation of all components of society in the country's political structure.

Ahmad al-Sharaa Appoints One-Third of Parliament Members

Syria Desk – Ahmad al-Sharaa, head of the Syrian interim government, has issued a decree appointing 70 new members to the country's interim parliament. This move has drawn criticism from Kurdish political factions in northern and eastern Syria, who argue that the process of forming the parliament lacked genuine participation and could jeopardize Kurdish national rights in the future constitution.

Deadly Explosion at a Café Near the Palace of Justice in Central Damascus

Syria Desk – At least five people were killed and 16 others injured following an explosion at a café on Al-Nasr Street in central Damascus. Syrian security forces have cordoned off the scene and launched an investigation into the cause of the blast—an incident that occurred in one of the Syrian capital's busiest areas.

Syrian Democratic Council Calls for Independent Investigation into Attacks on Tel Aran and Tel Hasel

Syria Service – The Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) condemned the attacks and raids carried out by forces of the Syrian Interim Government on the towns of Tel Aran and Tel Hasel in the Aleppo countryside. Describing these actions as violations of human rights and the rule of law, the Council called for the release of those detained and the initiation of an independent investigation.

Damascus’s New Parliament Sends a Message to the Kurds: Limited Participation, Diminished Influence

World Desk – While the Syrian government highlights the increased ethnic and religious diversity of the parliament, the complete absence of figures affiliated with the SDF indicates that the Kurdish autonomous administration still holds no share in Damascus’s new political structure.

Continuation of the confiscation of the properties of Kurdish citizens in Afrin; Reports of extortion and pressure against residents

Syria Service - Afrin Human Rights Organization announced the continued confiscation of civilian property in Afrin and its suburbs and announced that the "Economic Committee" affiliated with Turkish-backed groups has intensified the pressure on the residents by confiscating houses, lands and shops of Kurdish citizens and receiving sums of money in exchange for the return of property.

Ahmad al-Shara' Meets Turkish Interior Minister in Damascus; Emphasis Placed on Security Cooperation Between the Two Countries

Syria Desk – Ahmad al-Shara', head of the Syrian Interim Government, met with Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi in Damascus. They discussed issues regarding countering shared security threats, the exchange of expertise, and strategies to expand bilateral cooperation.