11.02.2026, 15:00 CET UPDATE – Abuse of internationalists in Turkish custody
Abuse of internationalists in Turkish custody
Some of the approximately 50 internationalists who traveled to Turkey to defend Rojava, were arrested there and deported and revealed the abuse they suffered at the hands of the Turkish police in a press conference. They reported being strip-searched, beaten, kicked, and subjected to hatred from police officers. Despite the appalling violence, they declare: “They wanted to break our resistance through violence, but they did not succeed.”
Arab population against the regime
Since the HTS took power in Damascus, the Arab population has also been suffering under jihadist rule. In particular, arbitrary and often deadly violence is shaking society, such as the murder of two civilians in Homs and Hama by gangs or the attack by the so-called security forces on a student at the University of Homs. The Arab tribes are fighting back, especially in the areas of Deir ez-Zor that were taken over by HTS during the war. While the oil fields were in the hands of the local population under self-administration, they are now being seized by Damascus. The local Arab population is fighting back, resulting in many cases of arson targeting vehicles and houses on both sides. In Aleppo, where municipal workers have not been paid for three months, there are also protests and strikes. The oil fields in Rimelan, where negotiations on integration took place yesterday, remain under the protection of the SDF. There are also no plans to change personnel.
EU Parliament discusses Rojava
Yesterday, the EU Parliament discussed the siege of Kobanê, the demand for a permanent ceasefire, and the recognition of political status for Rojava. While the negotiations have been positive, a joint resolution is to be put to the vote on Thursday. In particular, some politicians debated the EU’s financing of the Syrian regime with €620 million and possible conditions. The negotiations show that pressure on the streets is also having a concrete effect in parliament.
Planned intervention in Iraq
According to the Arab news channel Fox Press, a secret meeting was organized by the UK in Jordan on January 16, in the midst of the war. Saddam Hussein’s daughter, Raghad Saddam Hussein, was brought together with Jolani to plan the intervention in Iraq, which is also supported by the US and Israel. The plan is to bring together Sunni forces such as remnants of Saddam Hussein’s army and ISIS and, with the help of HTS in Syria, wage war against the Iran-coordinated Hashd al-Shaabi militia. This war would likely also include a war against Shengal, Mexmûr, and the revolutionary movement in South Kurdistan and could involve the ISIS prisoners recently transferred to Iraq by the US.
Huge YPJ flags throughout Germany
To protest against the war and the attacks on the revolution, young people raised huge YPJ flags at Berlin Central Station, as well as in Nuremberg, Kassel, and Frankfurt. The actions took place as part of a nationwide day of action in defense of the women’s revolution. Actions such as raising banners and hanging posters, as well as speeches given on public transport, also took place in other European cities.
Health crisis due to siege
As a result of the siege of Kobanê by the jihadist regime in Syria, 200 sick people arrive at Kobanê’s hospitals every day. As medicines become increasingly scarce, the humanitarian situation is becoming more serious by the day. In Qamishlo, too, the Kurdish Red Crescent warns of a high health risk, as there are insufficient facilities to treat the 12,000 internally displaced persons.
Sleeper cell uncovered
In Heseke, anti-terror forces uncovered a jihadist sleeper cell and seized their weapons, explosives, and ammunition.
