Nine years have passed since the Kurdish city of Kobani (Kobanê) in northern Syria was liberated from the Islamic State (ISIS), marking a significant moment in the region’s history. Sara Xelîl from the Euphrates Canton Women’s Council highlighted the unity that led to the city’s liberation, in a struggle that has become emblematic of the resistance against ISIS’ oppression.
ISIS, formed in 2013, rapidly seized control of several cities in Iraq and Syria, including Raqqa in January 2014 and Mosul in June 2014. The group then targeted Kobani, a city in Syria that had declared autonomy following the 2011 civil war. The city’s resistance to ISIS’ attacks, which began on 14 September 2014 and lasted for 134 days, was unprecedented. Despite facing immense challenges, Kobani was finally freed on 26 January 2015, a day now remembered for its historic significance.
The liberation of Kobani was not only a military victory but also a symbol of Kurdish resilience. Many Kurdish youths and international supporters participated in the liberation, with several sacrificing their lives in the process.
Despite the passage of time, Turkish air strikes on the region have not ceased. However, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has tirelessly worked to rebuild the city from ruins. Sara Xelîl, a representative of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and the Euphrates Canton Women’s Council, stressed the unyielding spirit of Kobani’s residents. “During that period, a significant unity emerged among the Kurds,” she stated.
Xelîl recalled the mobilisation call by Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) Leader Abdullah Öcalan for Kobani, leading to widespread solidarity. “People turned their attention to Kobani following the call. Communes and committees like the Defence Committee, Health Committee and Reconciliation Committee were formed,” she said. Despite ongoing attacks, the commitment to fight for their rights remains unwavering among the Kurds. “Even if the world remains silent, we are prepared to continue our struggle for our rights,” Xelîl emphasised.
