ANHA Agency marks 13 years of media work

On March 1, 2013, at a time when the Syrian arena was ablaze with events, and only months after the launch of the July 19 Revolution (2012) in Rojava, Hawar News Agency—known by its abbreviation ANHA—was founded at a pivotal moment in the region’s history. It emerged as a voice for truth in the face of disinformation campaigns, and as a platform conveying facts from their primary sources to society, at a time when dominant powers were employing the latest technologies and media tools to obscure realities, spread false news, suppress diversity and pluralism, and silence the voices of peoples.

The agency was established in response to an urgent need for free, independent media committed to truth and to the causes of oppressed peoples, foremost among them the Kurdish people, who have long been subjected to denial, exclusion, and attempts of physical and cultural eradication.

Since its inception, ANHA has set its sights on engaging in the struggle against media hegemony, believing that media is not merely a tool for conveying news, but a fundamental pillar in building a democratic society, promoting the principles of free life, and shaping the moral and political character of society.

The agency believes that media struggle is an integral part of the struggle for freedom, justice, and equality. It has worked to dismantle an authoritarian media mentality detached from society and rooted in exclusionary patriarchal thinking. In contrast, it has sought to build a media approach organically connected to society—one that embraces all colors, voices, beliefs, and opinions, reflecting its cultural and social richness.

Over thirteen years, ANHA has continued to cover developments in Rojava, North and East Syria, Syria as a whole, other parts of Kurdistan, the Middle East, and the world with professionalism, transparency, and objectivity. It has followed major turning points, from the war against ISIS, to resistance against Turkish occupation in Afrin, Serekaniye, and Gire Spi, as well as the attacks on Rojava—highlighting the resilience of fighters, popular solidarity, and community initiatives to defend dignity and existence.

The agency has not merely been a neutral conveyor of news, but a voice for truth and a partner in consolidating the values of justice and equality. It has defended the freedom of women and youth, given special attention to workers’ rights, environmental protection, and the promotion of pluralism and democracy.

This path has not been easy. The agency has paid a heavy price in conveying the truth, as several of its staff members were martyred while carrying out field coverage: Delishan Ibbish, Rizgar Deniz, Hoger Mohammed, Saad Ahmed, Issam Abdullah, and Jihan Belkin. Their sacrifices remain a guiding light for our journey and a moral commitment to continue the path they chose in defense of the free word.

On the thirteenth anniversary of the founding of Hawar News Agency (A, we extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to our followers in Rojava, Syria, the Middle East, and around the world for their continuous support and steadfast trust in our free and independent media mission. We renew our pledge to continue fulfilling our mission with professionalism and responsibility, in loyalty to our martyrs and in commitment to the values we believe in: that truth remains an unwavering compass, and that media serves as a tool for building a just democratic society that safeguards human dignity and embraces diversity.

Administration of Hawar News Agency

1-3-2026

ANHA