Events

The top US general for the Middle East went to Syria on Thursday to verify that Syrian government forces disengaged from fighting Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to allow the US military to transfer ISIS prisoners to Iraq

President Masoud Barzani said on Friday that, if given the opportunity, he would send Kurdish Peshmerga forces to Kobane - just as he did in 2014 when ISIS posed a serious threat to the city - this time to counter Damascus-backed armed factions

SDF tunnel complex has also been uncovered beneath the Yarubiyah border crossing with Iraq (Eastern Hasakah)

Iraqi government spokesperson: Transferring ISIS elements from Syria to Iraq is a preemptive step to defend our national security.

CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper spoke with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa by phone. The two leaders discussed the importance of Syrian government forces adhering to a ceasefire with the Syrian Democratic Forces and supporting the coordinated transfer of ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraq. Cooper briefed al-Sharra on CENTCOM’s plan for an orderly and secure transfer of up to 7000 detainees and expressed expectations for Syrian forces as well as all other forces to avoid any actions that could interfere

US Central Command: We have begun the mission of transferring ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraq and placing them in secure detention centers.

US Central Command: We expect up to 7,000 ISIS detainees to be transferred from Syria to Iraq.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is visiting Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq, days after the complete withdrawal of US forces from the base.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Masoud Barzani, head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, discussed the latest developments in the region and ways to enhance stability and security during a telephone call

The Syrian president indicated the strengthening of bilateral coordination between Iraq and Syria, particularly in the security field, to protect the borders and pursue the remnants of ISIS.

Al-Sudani to Al-Sharaa: The importance of preserving the unity of Syrian territory

The Iraqi Prime Minister: The international border with Syria is fully fortified, with our forces possessing the high capability to prevent any infiltration attempt.

U.S. Consulate General in Erbil says it is monitoring calls for demonstrations across the Kurdistan Region on Tuesday, Jan. 20. U.S. citizens are advised to follow local media and avoid protests and large gatherings due to security risks

This time, Kurds in Duhok province of the Kurdistan Region have taken to the streets to rally in support of Kurds in Syria

The SDF calls on all Kurdish youth in Syria, Iraq, and Europe to unite, transcend the borders of the occupiers, and join the resistance.

Erbil: Crowds gathered outside the US Consulate in Erbil to protest what they described as Washington’s failure to stand by the Kurds in Syria as Damascus moves to reassert control

Local sources reported that sectarian militias kidnapped citizen Hussam al-Din Yassin al-Samarrai (40 years old) on the road linking the city of Samarra and the capital Baghdad, which is controlled by the "Saraya al-Salam" and other government forces.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa held a telephone conversation with the President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Masoud Barzani, during which they reviewed the latest developments in Syria and emphasized the unity, sovereignty, and stability of Syria.

An Iraqi security source: Our forces on the border with Syria are on high alert.

Iraqi Defense Ministry says taking control of Ain Al-Assad base after full withdrawal of American troops

Talks between Masoud Barzani, Mazloum Abdi and Tom Barak in Erbil regarding developments in the Syrian file.

Turkey has suspended all flights to Iraq "until furher notice", according to the head of Iraq's Airports Authority, who stated that the reason for the suspension is currently unknown

Dutch Defence Minister @rubenbrekelmans today visited the Kurdistan region, and the Dutch troops at the Erbil base and was welcomed by DFR head @SafeenDizayee

Kurdistan Freedom Party claims to have overrun an IRGC headquarters in Kermanshah and assaulting a base just outside the city at Dareh Daraz. They also now are claiming that Iraqi fighters are present in the Kurdistan region of Iran

On Tuesday, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met with Joshua Harris, the US Charge d'Affaires in Iraq, and Wendy Green, the US Consul General in the Kurdistan Region. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations, Iraq's overall situation, and ongoing political negotiations to form a new cabinet

Iranian security forces stop armed Kurdish dissidents trying to enter Iran from Iraq. Semi-official Mehr News Agency reported

President al-Sharaa discusses the latest developments with Masoud Barzani and emphasizes national partnership.

Iraq to nationalise West Qurna 2 oilfield operations, government says

Wasit province: Protesters attempt to close the electricity directorate building in Kut city in rejection of the electricity privatization project.

The Iraqi parliament session has begun to elect its speaker.