ANHA News Agency: 12 years of media struggle for truth, freedom

On the occasion of the twelfth anniversary of the establishment of Hawar News Agency (ANHA) on March 1, 2013, we extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to our followers across the world for their unwavering support and profound trust in our independent and free press mission. As we commemorate over a decade since our founding, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to covering developments across North and East Syria and Syria as a whole, with an unwavering dedication to truth, transparency, and accuracy.

 Since its inception, ANHA News Agency has marked a turning point in the Syrian media landscape. Emerging as an inseparable part of the revolutionary movement in North and East Syria and beyond, the agency has focused its efforts on documenting the unfolding events in the region—chronicling the ongoing resistance against oppressionu and occupation, and bearing witness to a popular struggle defined by courage, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of freedom and dignity.

 ANHA agency has  witnessed some of the most pivotal moments in the modern history of the region. From covering the resistance against Turkish occupation in Afrin, Serê Kaniyê, and Girê Spî/Tell Abyad, to reporting on the battle against ISIS mercenaries, and highlighting the steadfast defiance of the people of North and East Syria against existential threats to their political and social will, the agency has remained at the heart of these historical events. Despite immense challenges, we have upheld an editorial approach that champions pluralism and diversity, while upholding the highest standards of human values and ethical principles in defiance of all forms of exclusion and extremism.

 Beyond merely reporting the news, ANHA Agency has played an intrinsic role in the ongoing struggle to build a just and equitable society. Our commitment extends to spotlighting the cause of women’s freedom, a cornerstone of the revolution, and continuously covering the evolving role of women in both the revolution and the broader social landscape of North and East Syria.

   Furthermore, ANHA Agency has prioritized advocating for youth rights, recognizing them as the driving force of the region’s future, and emphasizing that freedom of expression and active participation are fundamental pillars in the construction of a democratic and free society.

 Equally, we have remained steadfast in our emphasis on the protection of the environment, a matter of paramount urgency in an era plagued by environmental crises and climate change. We believe that safeguarding natural resources and preserving the land is a collective responsibility, and as part of our mission, we have actively engaged in fostering societal awareness on ecological issues.

 Over the years, we have succeeded in developing a robust and diverse media network, united under a single purpose: to deliver the truth with integrity and without distortion. We firmly believe that the role of the media is to amplify the voices of the oppressed, serve as an effective instrument in disseminating truth, and contribute to the advancement of social and political consciousness.

 Our path has not been without sacrifices. Many of our brave colleagues have fallen in the line of duty, upholding the principles of truth and justice. Among them are Delîshan Îbiş, Rezgar Deniz, and Hogir Mihemed, who lost their lives on October 12, 2017, while covering the liberation of civilians from ISIS brutality; Saad Ahmed, who was martyred on October 13, 2019, while reporting on a civilian convoy heading to Serê Kaniyê in an effort to halt Turkish aggression; Îsam Abdullah, who was martyred on November 19, 2022, following an airstrike by the Turkish occupation forces on Taqil Baqil village in Dêrik; and Cîhan Belkîn, who was martyred on December 19, 2024, in a drone strike by the Turkish military.

 Their sacrifices serve as a powerful reminder of our duty to continue our mission, undeterred by challenges, and to remain resolute in disseminating the truth to the world.

 On this historic occasion, we extend our profound gratitude to all our followers, who have been an integral part of this journalistic journey, and to all those who have stood by our agency through the different stages of its development. We particularly honor the memory of martyr Seyid Efrîn, who passed away due to a heart attack in North and East Syria, and martyr Aziz Koiloğlu, who fell in South Kurdistan in an attack by the Turkish occupation.

 As we move forward, we remain unwavering in our commitment to strengthening the role of free media and continuously advancing our journalistic approaches to contribute to the creation of a moral, political, and democratic society—one that upholds women’s liberation, environmental protection, and human rights.

 We celebrate this cherished anniversary with deep conviction, vowing that Hawar News Agency will persist in its noble mission, making every effort to fulfill the aspirations for which it was founded. We are dedicated to enhancing our capabilities and diversifying our media strategies to ensure the delivery of high-quality journalism that meets the expectations of our people in their pursuit of freedom and justice.

 In conclusion, we reaffirm that ANHA News Agency will remain at the forefront of the struggle for truth, playing a vital role in building the society we envision: a democratic, free, and just society that respects cultural diversity, empowers women and youth, and safeguards the environment—securing a sustainable future for generations to come in Syria.

 ANHA News Agency Administration

March 1, 2025

 a.k

ANHA