The Latest Breaking News from SDF

Activists Condemn SDF’s Arrest of 16 Journalists in Syria's Raqqa

The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) said on Sunday that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) detained at least 16 journalists in Raqqa on July 30. This came as activists revealed that the Kurdish-led SDF forces have arrested media figures as part of a security campaign in Syria’s northeastern province.…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Aug 1, 2022

Russia in Syria, a Double-Edged Sword

What will happen if the United States decided to suddenly withdraw from northeastern Syria? What if Turkey carried out its threats and launched an attack in the north of the country? What if a secret deal was made to hand over Deir Ezzor oil fields to Damascus in exchange for…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jul 24, 2022

Bhutan to triple tourist tax to $200 when it reopens

South Asian destination charges a daily tourism fee for visitors

The Independent UK · Jul 22, 2022

Australian teenager Yusuf Zahab dies in Syrian prison

Yusuf Zahab, who was taken to Syria when he was 11, died in Kurdish-held prison months after pleading for help.

Al Jazeera · Jul 18, 2022

Turkey: Operation in North Syria Neither Postponed Nor Cancelled

Turkey announced on Sunday that it will neither cancel nor delay a military operation against sites controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Syria. Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said Turkish forces are being targeted by the Kurdish People’s Protection Units, YPG, the largest components of the SDF. Speaking…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jul 11, 2022

Syrian Regime Forces Deploy Quality Weapons in SDF Areas

The Syrian regime forces reinforced their military units in the countryside of Raqqa and Aleppo governorates after coordinating with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and receiving a guarantee from the Russian forces deployed in the vicinity. Syrian convoys moved under the protection of Russian warplanes and brought in heavy reinforcements,…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jul 8, 2022

SDF, Syrian Regime Agree on Defense Plan to Repel Turkish Attack

The Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced that it had agreed to a joint defense Russia-mediated plan with regime forces loyal to President Bashar Assad should Turkey launch an attack against northern Syria. Turkey has for weeks been threatening to launch an operation against fighters of the Kurdistan Workers' Party…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jul 6, 2022

Iran’s regional outreach tested as Turkey plans Syria operation

Iran walks a diplomatic tightrope as Turkey plans military operation against Kurdish forces in Syria, a key Tehran ally.

Al Jazeera · Jul 5, 2022

Kurds Reveal Meetings with Syrian Govt to Protect Border against Turkey

A prominent Kurdish official revealed that meetings have been held between the autonomous Kurdish authority in the region east of the Euphrates River and representatives of the Syrian government to reach understandings on “protecting” the Syrian-Turkish border. The talks, which were sponsored by Russia, are the first amid a rise…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jul 2, 2022

Candidates prioritize economy, security

"The economy and employment" is the most important issue for candidates running in the upcoming House of Councillors election, followed by "diplomacy and security," according to a Yomiuri Shimbun survey.

The Japan News/Yomiuri · Jun 30, 2022