First convoy of Rudaw’s Ranj aid campaign reaches Rojava

QAMISHLI, Syria - The first convoy of Rudaw’s Ranj campaign arrived in Kurdish-led northeast Syria (Rojava) on Wednesday, delivering humanitarian aid to families affected by a military siege and ongoing clashes in the region.

The initial convoy includes 40 trucks out of a planned 130, carrying essential supplies such as food, heating materials, medical items, and dignity kits. The aid was donated by residents of the Kurdistan Region, including business owners.

Distribution of the assistance is scheduled to begin on Thursday.

As the convoy entered Rojava through the Peshkhabur-Semalka border crossing, residents welcomed the trucks with ululations, applause, and chants of solidarity. Slogans such as “Long live Rudaw” echoed along the route, reflecting what organizers described as the unity and collective spirit of the people of Kurdistan.

The campaign was launched by prominent Kurdish media personality and Rudaw lead anchor Ranj Sangawi, with the aim of supporting civilians facing severe shortages amid tightening conditions.

Local residents praised Rudaw’s role in bringing attention to their plight.

“Today, Rudaw has given us a voice to the entire world. You carry our message everywhere-to those responsible for the conditions we are living under,” Abdulkarim Abdulaziz, a resident of Rojava, told Rudaw on Wednesday.

“Through your help, you are making our voice heard by the world - the world that has turned against us.”

Shivan Abdullah, another resident, said the campaign represents a broader achievement for Kurds.

“How great and important the Rudaw channel is, and what a victory it represents in the world - especially for the Kurdish people. It has awakened the entire Kurdish nation,” he said.

Others highlighted the sense of unity behind the initiative.

“By God, Rudaw has grown to the size of the world. Thank God, today we can say it has become world-renowned,” said Atiya Abdullah.

“We are grateful to God that we Kurds have united. We had been waiting for a day like this—to support one another and become one.”

Rudaw’s Ranj campaign for Rojava was launched last Thursday by prominent Kurdish media figure and Rudaw lead anchor Ranj Sangawi and ran through Saturday, aiming to support civilians facing severe shortages amid worsening conditions.

A total of 150 trucks of humanitarian aid were collected as part of the campaign, with the remaining convoys scheduled to arrive in two additional stages in the coming days.

Rawaj Haji, a member of the Erbil-based Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF) administrative board who is overseeing aid operations in Rojava, said logistical constraints have slowed the pace of deliveries.

“There are 150 trucks in total, but the capacity to receive them across the bridge at the Kurdistan Region-Rojava border is limited to 40 per day,” he said. “Forty trucks have arrived, and if the weather is good tomorrow, we will begin [distribution].”

The delivery comes as families across northeastern Syria continue to struggle under a tightening military siege imposed by the Syrian Arab Army and allied armed groups, which have launched a large-scale offensive against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) since mid-January.

The attacks have displaced an estimated 100,000 persons from Rojava, caused shortages of electricity and clean water, and severely limited access to medicine during the harsh winter months.