Zana Omer

VOA Kurdish: Despite ceasefire, fighting continues in Manbij, Syria

VOA Kurdish: Israeli strikes on Syrian military bases target weapons  

VOA Kurdish: How will Kurds fare in a post-Assad era?

AANES's amnesty for ISIS-related prisoners sparks mixed reaction 

Families of the released prisoners have expressed their relief and joy

Al-Hol Camp: Syrians Face Uncertain Future Amidst Security Risks, International Concerns

Thousands of Syrians are being held in northeastern Syria at the al-Hol detention camp that also hosts families of Islamic State fighters. Local officials say none of them can leave the notorious camp without international intervention. Zana Omer has the story, narrated by Sirwan Kajjo.

Syrian Kurdish Journalist Missing 3 Months after Arrest in Iraqi Kurdistan

Journalist’s whereabouts is unknown by his family

Fake Brands Flood Northeast Syria Markets

Syria's 11-year conflict has created chaos across the country. But one odd and unique element of that chaos is an environment where fake international brands are widespread. VOA's Zana Omer and Sirwan Kajjo have the story.

In Kurdish Syria, Traffic Police Attracts Female Recruits

Kurdish region is only place in Syria where female traffic officers exist

Syrian Kurds Seek International Support for Islamic State Group Trials

The U.S.-backed Kurdish authorities in northeast Syria are adamant about holding trials for hundreds of foreign Islamic State group militants in their custody. VOA’s Zana Omer has the story from Qamishli, Syria, narrated by Sirwan Kajjo.

Syrian Families Stranded in Sudan’s Capital Amid Clashes  

Among those stranded in Khartoum are hundreds of Syrian nationals, many of whom have been living there since the beginning of Syria’s conflict in 2011 

US-Backed Forces Launch New Campaign Against IS Operatives in Syria

U.S.-backed forces in Syria have begun a new military campaign targeting Islamic State militants in several towns in northeast Syria. VOA’s Zana Omer has more in this story, narrated by Sirwan Kajjo.

US-Backed Kurdish Commander: US Needs Stronger Position on Turkish Threat

Faced with possible Turkish ground assault, SDF Commander Gen. Mazloum Kobane Abdi says he's asked Biden to keep campaign trail promises to US allies

Civilians in Northeast Syria Worry About Turkish Invasion

Residents of the region call on the US, Syrian government to protect them

Leishmania Cases Rampant in Northeast Syria Town

Cases of a parasitic disease called Leishmaniasis are increasing at an alarming pace in a town in northeastern Syria called Tel Tamr. VOA's Zana Omer has more in this story narrated by Sirwan Kajjo. Camera: Zana Omer

3 Killed in Suspected Turkish Drone Attack in NE Syria 

The strike took place in Qamishli, a city on the Syria-Turkey border controlled by U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces 

Women Reportedly Linked to IS Set Syria Camp on Fire

Arson damaged at least 16 tents in Roj camp, which holds nearly 2,500 women and children with ties to Islamic State militants

Some IS-Linked Western Women in Syrian Camps Seek Redemption

The women currently live in a camp in northeast Syria that houses thousands of families of Islamic State fighters

Lockdown Imposed in Northeast Syria Amid Rising COVID Cases

A spike in coronavirus infections has prompted local officials in northeast Syria to announce a week-long lockdown in an effort to halt the virus's spread. VOA’s Zana Omer has more in this story, narrated by Bezhan Hamdard. Camera: Zana Omer Produced by: Zana Omer

Hundreds of Iraqi Nationals Leave al-Hol Refugee Camp in Syria 

It's the second time this year that Iraqis have been released from the camp

Kurdish Authorities Release 324 Syrian Nationals From al-Hol Camp

Released Syrians were mostly women and children; local officials hope reducing camp population will reduce violence