Zana Omar

Syrian Kurdish Family Laments Loved One Who Self-Immolated to Protest Turkish Incursion

The family of Ali Wezir is in agony in Syria’s Kurdish town of Hasakah after hearing that Wezir has set himself on fire outside the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland to protest a Turkish incursion in northeast Syria. VOA’s Zana Omar reports.

Aid Workers Tell of Turkey's 'Barbaric' Actions in Syria

Zana Omar reports for VOA from Qamishli that the International Red Cross and the Red Crescent traveled to Ras al-Ayn to extract the wounded civilians from the hospital there that had been under siege from the Turkish incursion into the region — both before and after the cease-fire.

Aid Workers Tell of Turkey's 'Barbaric' Actions in Syria

Members of the Red Crescent say the Turkish army's attack left a hospital without electricity, but they were able to get access and transport the wounded to the Farman hospital in the city of Qamishli. Zana Omar went to the hospital in Qamishli and spoke to members of the IRC and the Red Crescent.

Islamic State Using Suicide Attacks, Fires to Slow Advance on Last Stronghold

Eyewitness accounts and sources on the ground tell VOA that Islamic State (IS) fighters are putting up a tough fight and resorting to suicide attacks and fires to hamper the advances of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on their last stronghold in eastern Syria. Zana Omar reports from Baghuz, Syria.

SDF: IS Using Smoke, Suicide Attacks to Slow Advance on Last Syrian Stronghold

IS tactics have hindered progress of U.S.-backed forces into Baghuz, Syrian Democratic Forces officials say

US-backed Forces Closing In on Islamic State in Syria

U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are closing in on Islamic State’s last stronghold in eastern Syria. Zana Omar reports from Baghouz, Syria.

US-Backed SDF Closing in on IS Stronghold in Syria

A coalition airstrike Monday targeted a mosque used by militants

US-Backed Forces in Syria Close In on Last IS Stronghold

Baghuz is the last stronghold for the terror group in eastern Syria; the anti-IS campaign has cleared nearly all territory once held by IS in Syria since 2014

Thousands Displaced as SDF Advances on Last IS Territory in Syria

Kurdish officials say more than 23,000 civilians from eastern Deir el-Zour governorate have been displaced as the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces fight Islamic State in its last Syrian bastion. VOA's Zama Omar reports from Syria.

Battle Against IS in Eastern Syria Nearing an End

US-Backed Forces Pursue IS in E. Syria; Thousands Flee

With the new advancement of Kurdish-led forces into Hajin, in eastern Syria, thousands have fled their homes in Islamic State-controlled pockets. Cold weather and lack of equipment add to their hardship. VOA's Zana Omar reports from the region.

Syrian Kurdish Leader Says US Troop Withdrawal Will Boost IS

Kurdish YPG spokesperson Nouri Mahmoud said the fight against Islamic State is ongoing in Syria and the withdrawal of U.S. troops could hurt counterterror operations in the country. VOA's Zana Omar reports.

Civilians in N. Syria Say US Troop Exit Undermines Stability

Residents of the Syrian northeastern city of Qamishli are asking U.S. troops to stay in their region. They say a sudden withdrawal could make them vulnerable to attacks from Turkey and the remnants of the Islamic State terror group. VOA's Zana Omar reports from Qamishli.

Paralyzed Iraqi Woman Struggles for Life at Syria Refugee Camp

An Iraqi refugee woman in Syria became paralyzed after her husband was killed by Islamic State militants. VOA's Zana Omar reports from al-Hol, Syria.

Iraqi Refugees in Syria Refuse to Return Home

Since liberation of Mosul and other major cities from IS, government has been working to facilitate the return of Iraqi refugees from Syria

Two Former IS Wives Join Fight Against Group in Syria

Vian, 26, and Zhyan,18, are sisters from al-Shaddadi in al-Hasakah governorate, Syria. Both were forced to marry Islamic State militants after the terrorist group took control of the region in 2015. When their town was liberated from IS, they joined the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) in the fight against the terror group. VOA's Zana Omar reports from al-Shaddadi.

All-Female TV Station Goes on the Air in Syria

Jin TV — which means Women TV in the Kurdish language — is the first television station in Syria run entirely by women. Managers say their content will provide a voice for women and will place a spotlight on issues that affect women in Syria and the region. VOA's Zana Omar reports from Amude, Syria.

SDF, Iraqis Defend Syrian Border Town from IS

IS fighters have been desperately trying to regain control over al-Dashisha and nearby villages

YPG Announces Plan to Withdraw Military Advisers From Manbij

Following a "road map" deal announced on June 4, the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), the backbone of U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), announced the withdrawal of its military advisers who were providing training to Manbij Military Council from the Syrian city. Zana Omer reports.

Palmyra Residents Flee Syrian Regime Control

Dozens of civilians from the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra in the Homs governorate have been displaced to Mabruka refugee camp in al-Hasakah province under U.S.-backed Kurdish control. Displaced residents say they lived in constant fear under the Syrian regime forces. VOA's Zana Omar reports.