Syriac International News Agency - SINA

01/08/2024

TEHRAN — Following the assassination of Hamas political bureau leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, questions have emerged regarding Tehran's potential response to Tel Aviv, which was immediately accused by Iranian authorities of orchestrating the killing. News media reported that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has ordered a direct attack on Israel during an emergency meeting of the Iranian Supreme National Security Council....

TEHRAN — Following the assassination of Hamas political bureau leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, questions have emerged regarding Tehran’s potential response to Tel Aviv, which was immediately accused by Iranian authorities of orchestrating the killing. News media reported that Iranian Supreme Lead...

01/08/2024

SHIGUR, Iraq — Ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Islamic State (ISIS) attack on Shigur (Şengal/Sinjar) in Nineveh Plains in Iraq, Amnesty International released a report highlighting the continued hardship faced by the Yezidi people. Lauren Aarons, Amnesty International's Senior Adviser, stated that the Yezidi community has suffered unimaginable harm at the hands of ISIS. Nearly 10 years after the initial attack, their suffering continues, with thousands still missing....

SHIGUR, Iraq — Ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Islamic State (ISIS) attack on Shigur (Şengal/Sinjar) in Nineveh Plains in Iraq, Amnesty International released a report highlighting the continued hardship faced by the Yezidi people. Lauren Aarons, Amnesty International’s Senior Adviser, sta...

01/08/2024

BRUSSELS — Italy, Austria, Croatia, Czechia, Cyprus, Greece, Slovenia, and Slovakia have urged Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to reconsider the bloc’s relations with Syria due to the significant influx of refugees into EU countries. However, the German government has rejected this proposal to normalize relations with the Syrian regime. A spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry stated that the Syrian regime continues to commit human rights violations against its people....

01/08/2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Amid escalating tensions between Israel and the Iranian-led “Axis of resistance” following Israeli assassinations of Hezbollah and Hamas officials, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin pledged that the United States would defend Israel if attacked. Austin emphasized that Washington would support Tel Aviv's right to self-defense while also seeking a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing tensions between the two sides....

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Amid escalating tensions between Israel and the Iranian-led “Axis of resistance” following Israeli assassinations of Hezbollah and Hamas officials, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin pledged that the United States would defend Israel if attacked. Austin emphasized that Was...

01/08/2024

ANKARA — Amid daily crimes committed by Turkish forces in occupied Syrian territories and the Turkish authorities' welcoming of those responsible for atrocities, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has condemned Turkey's sponsorship of these perpetrators. In a recent report, HRW accused Turkey of committing serious crimes and highlighted its warm reception of leaders from Turkish-backed factions of the Syrian National Army (SNA) such as Hamzat and Sultan Suleiman Shah....

ANKARA — Amid daily crimes committed by Turkish forces in occupied Syrian territories and the Turkish authorities’ welcoming of those responsible for atrocities, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has condemned Turkey’s sponsorship of these perpetrators. In a recent report, HRW accused Turkey of committ...

01/08/2024

TEHRAN — The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, head of the Hamas Political Bureau, in Iran by Israel has sparked reactions from countries around the world. Haniyeh was in Iran to attend the inauguration ceremonies of the new Iranian president. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the assassination, calling on Palestinian factions in the occupied West Bank to observe a general strike and hold mass demonstrations....

TEHRAN — The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, head of the Hamas Political Bureau, in Iran by Israel has sparked reactions from countries around the world. Haniyeh was in Iran to attend the inauguration ceremonies of the new Iranian president. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the assas...

31/07/2024

ZALIN, North and East Syria — A delegation from Kongreya Star visited the headquarters of the Syriac Women's Union (SWU) in Zalin (Qamishli), North and East Syria, to congratulate them on holding their 5th conference. During the meeting, the latest political developments and strategies for women's empowerment in all spheres of society were discussed. Head of the SWU, Georgette Barsom, and SWU Deputy Sabah Shabo welcomed the visiting delegation....

ZALIN, North and East Syria — A delegation from Kongreya Star visited the headquarters of the Syriac Women’s Union (SWU) in Zalin (Qamishli), North and East Syria, to congratulate them on holding their 5th conference. During the meeting, the latest political developments and strategies for women...

31/07/2024

ANKARA — During a recent parliamentary session, George Aslan, a Syriac member of Turkish Parliament, addressed the adverse effects of recent developments on ethnic minorities in Turkey. Aslan emphasized that these changes have led to significant violations against minority communities, including the theft of rights and personal property, the control of their lands, and restrictions on decisions regarding endowments belonging to these communities....

ANKARA — During a recent parliamentary session, George Aslan, a Syriac member of Turkish Parliament, addressed the adverse effects of recent developments on ethnic minorities in Turkey. Aslan emphasized that these changes have led to significant violations against minority communities, including t...

31/07/2024

TEL AVIV — Following a meeting of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened to invade Israel in support of Palestinians. Erdogan asserted that, just as Turkish forces had entered Karabakh and Libya, they could do the same in Israel. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz called for Turkey's exclusion from NATO....

TEL AVIV — Following a meeting of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened to invade Israel in support of Palestinians. Erdogan asserted that, just as Turkish forces had entered Karabakh and Libya, they could do the same in ...

31/07/2024

KHARTOUM — Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused both the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committing extensive acts of sexual violence amidst the ongoing conflict in Sudan. In a recent report, the organization highlighted the severe human rights violations occurring in the capital, Khartoum, since the conflict's onset. The report, based on testimonies from 42 field workers, documented 262 cases of sexual violence in Khartoum from the war's beginning in April last year until February this year....

KHARTOUM — Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused both the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committing extensive acts of sexual violence amidst the ongoing conflict in Sudan. In a recent report, the organization highlighted the severe human rights violations occurring in the capital, ...

31/07/2024

BEIRUT — Ibrahim Mrad, President of the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP) and Secretary General of the Christian Front, stated via Facebook that Hezbollah is weak and is leading Lebanon towards destruction and devastation. Mrad asserted that Hezbollah has demonstrated its weakness amid repeated strikes and assassinations of its leaders. He accused the militia of continuing to monopolize the decision of war and peace, thereby usurping the role of the Lebanese Army....

BEIRUT — Ibrahim Mrad, President of the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP) and Secretary General of the Christian Front, stated via Facebook that Hezbollah is weak and is leading Lebanon towards destruction and devastation. Mrad asserted that Hezbollah has demonstrated its weakness amid repeated ...

30/07/2024

ZAHLE, Lebanon — Under the theme "We Resorted to Resistance and Struggle So That Lebanon and Freedom Remain," the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP) held a commemorative event in the Syriac Martyrs’ Square in Zahle, Lebanon, to remember the Syriac community’s martyrs. The event was attended by USUP President and Secretary-General of the Christian Front Ibrahim Mrad, along with representatives from the Kataeb Party, Lebanese Forces, National Liberal Party, and the Guardians of the Cedar....

ZAHLE, Lebanon — Under the theme “We Resorted to Resistance and Struggle So That Lebanon and Freedom Remain,” the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP) held a commemorative event in the Syriac Martyrs’ Square in Zahle, Lebanon, to remember the Syriac community’s martyrs. The event was attend...

30/07/2024

SHEKHAN, Iraq — As part of its ongoing efforts to hold entertaining and informative events and programs for the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian community, the Beth Nahrin Organization for Women (BNOW) held an intellectual and entertainment camp in Shekhan, Nineveh. The 4-day camp featured a variety of programs, including political, intellectual, cultural, and educational lectures aimed at developing women and youth at all levels....

30/07/2024

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women marked a significant milestone with the founding of the Syriac Women's Union (SWU), an organization dedicated to social, cultural, and political goals. The SWU is committed to building a free, advanced society grounded in justice, peace, and equality, ensuring the rights of Syriac (Aramean–Chaldean–Assyrian) women and preserving their cultural heritage. On the SWU's founding anniversary, the Union…...

30/07/2024

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — Following statements by General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Mazloum Abdi expressing readiness for dialogue with Damascus, several Syrian politicians have endorsed this initiative. They believe it could alleviate the prolonged suffering caused by the ongoing 14-year conflict. Mahmoud al-Afandi, Secretary-General of the Popular Diplomacy Movement in Syria, emphasized the importance of Abdi’s call for dialogue....

30/07/2024

BAGHDEDE, Iraq — In a heartfelt celebration, the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian community in the Nineveh Plains town of Baghdede (Qaraqosh / Hamdaniya), Iraq, joyfully announced the establishment of a new Syriac Catholic church, dedicated to Mar Ephrem the Syrian. This significant event reaffirms the presence and resilience of the Christian people in their homeland, preserving their faith and continuing their sacred traditions....

BAGHDEDE, Iraq — In a heartfelt celebration, the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian community in the Nineveh Plains town of Baghdede (Qaraqosh / Hamdaniya), Iraq, joyfully announced the establishment of a new Syriac Catholic church, dedicated to Mar Ephrem the Syrian. This significant event reaffirms th...

29/07/2024

EDLEB, Syria — The Turkish occupation authorities in northern Syria continue their arbitrary policies and arrest campaigns to suppress the presence of local populations in the areas they occupy, aiming to expand their control. The Violations Documentation Center reported that Turkish intelligence forces kidnapped a group of Syrian young men from the occupied Syrian regions due to their participation in protests against the Turkish occupation after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made public comments hinting at re-establishing ties with the Assad regime....

EDLEB, Syria — The Turkish occupation authorities in northern Syria continue their arbitrary policies and arrest campaigns to suppress the presence of local populations in the areas they occupy, aiming to expand their control. The Violations Documentation Center reported that Turkish intelligence ...

29/07/2024

KERMANSHAH, Iran / KOBANE, North and East Syria — In a continued crackdown on freedom of thought and opinion, the Iranian authorities have executed 27 prisoners in the cities of eastern Kurdistan since the beginning of July, according to reports published by the Iranian Human Rights Organization. Human rights organizations report that Iran has executed over 290 people in various prisons across the country since the start of this year....

KERMANSHAH, Iran / KOBANE, North and East Syria — In a continued crackdown on freedom of thought and opinion, the Iranian authorities have executed 27 prisoners in the cities of eastern Kurdistan since the beginning of July, according to reports published by the Iranian Human Rights Organization. ...

29/07/2024

ANKARA — In a strong condemnation of recent laws and requirements imposed by Turkish authorities, the German and French embassies in Turkey have closed their private schools to Turkish citizens. This action comes in response to Ankara's efforts to tighten control over foreign private schools. As a result, both embassies have stopped registering Turkish students and those with dual citizenship....

29/07/2024

MEDYAD, Turkey — The Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people in Medyad (Midyat), Turkey, in the historic region of Tur Abdin, have long been aware of the existence of underground caves. Recently, a new discovery revealed an entire underground city. This research began when archaeologists accidentally found one of the gates leading to this city in 2020. Believed to date back to the 9th century B.C., this underground city spans an estimated area of 1 square kilometers....

29/07/2024

ZALIN, Syria — The Presidential Body in the Coordination and Consultation Committee of Syriac (Aramean–Assyria–Chaldean) parties in Syria met with a delegation from the Kurdish National Council in Zalin (Qamishli), North and East Syria. The Committee delegation included Co-Chair of the Syriac Union Party (SUP) Sanharib Barsom, Member of the SUP Executive Body Afram Ishaq, Official of the Assyrian Democratic Organization (ADO) Gabriel Moshe, and Member of the Executive Body of the Assyrian Democratic Party Wael Mirza....

28/07/2024

From Daesh’s Takfirism to Hezbollah’s ‘Takhuinism’ | By Dr. Amine Jules Iskandar

This article was originally published by This Is Beirut on 31 December 2023. The original can be found here. By Dr. Amine Jules Iskandar President of the Syriac Maronite Union – Tur Levnon If ISIS tried to carry out ethnic cleansing based on takfirism, Hezbollah has devised the notion of “takhui...

27/07/2024

LAUSANE, Switzerland — Thirty-six parties, organizations and institutions from peoples of Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia) and Kurdistan held a protest in front of the building where the Lausanne agreement was drafted in Switzerland, on 24 July, 2023. In comments to our news desk, Samir Özmen, the official of European Syriac Union (ESU) in Switzerland, spoke about the Lausanne Agreement, which was signed 101 years ago....

27/07/2024

BAGHDAD / ERBIL — A new committee between Erbil and Baghdad is to be soon formed. It will hold its 1st meeting in August to assess the situation and pave the way for the return of displaced people in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) to their areas. Consequently, the closure of camps of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) has been…...

27/07/2024

BAGHDAD — Coinciding with 10th anniversary of Shigur (Şengal / Sinjar) genocide, the 3rd Iraqi Women's Conference was launched in Baghdad. It discussed the status of women in Iraq socially and politically, as well as the constitutional and legal obstacles they face. Spokeswoman of Diplomatic Committee of Yezidi Women's Freedom Movement, Siham Shengali, pointed out that the conference goal is to raise women awareness and highlight their status and Yezidi survivors in Shigur (Şengal / Sinjar), 10 years after the genocide....

26/07/2024

Bethnahrin National Council delegation visits Swiss Catholic Diocese to discuss Middle Eastern Christian plight

CHUR, Switzerland — A delegation from the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB), including Relations Department official Ever Gabriel and European Syriac Union (ESU) official Lucas Sackur, visited the Catholic Diocese in the Swiss city of Chur. The delegation was warmly ...

26/07/2024

Universal Syriac Union Party honors Syriac martyrs of Lebanese Civil War at annual festival

ZAHLE, Lebanon — The Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP) in Lebanon annually commemorates the martyrs of the Syriac (Aramean–Chaldean–Assyrian) people who perished during the Lebanese Civil War. This year, the festival was titled “1132 Syriac Martyrs Rose within Ranks of Lebanese Resistance ...

26/07/2024

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu outlines vague plan for post-War Gaza, seeks stronger US alliance amid protests

WASHINGTON, D.C. — During his speech to the United States Congress in Washington, D.C., Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sketched a vague outline of a plan for a ‘deradicalized’ post-war Gaza and touted a potential future alliance between Israel and US Arab allies. While Democrats boy...

26/07/2024

Amnesty International commends Administration of North and East Syria's general amnesty initiative

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — Amnesty International has praised the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) for its decision to issue a general amnesty for all detainees whose hands are not stained with blood before 17 July this year. The organization also urg...

26/07/2024

BAGHDEDE, Iraq — The Baghdede Local Committee of the Bethnahrin Patriotic Union (Huyodo Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA) held a lecture titled "Youth Role in the Sustainability and Strength of Society" attended by young Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian men and women in the Nineveh Plains town of Baghdede (Qaraqosh / Hamdaniyah), Iraq. The event began with a minute of silence to honor the martyrs of the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people and all martyrs of Iraq....

BAGHDEDE, Iraq — The Baghdede Local Committee of the Bethnahrin Patriotic Union (Huyodo Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA) held a lecture titled “Youth Role in the Sustainability and Strength of Society” attended by young Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian men and women in the Nineveh Plains town of Baghdede ...