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The Islamic State (ISIS) began its attack against the Kurdish-majority city of Kobane (Kobani) in northern Syria on 15th of September, 2014. ISIS attacked with heavy weapons such as tanks and artillery seized from the Iraqi and Syrian armies but faced the historic resistance from the People’s Protection Units (YPG) and the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) in the region.
Apê Nemir (Xelil Osman), a 73 Kurdish man, who fought alongside YPG-YPJ fighters against ISIS, was also a symbol of this resistance. He was interviewed on the anniversary of the attacks against Kobani which started seven years ago. Nemir explains of his feelings about these days with the following words.
“When we think of the people we fought with, the martyrs, and see the injured, I always go back, become emotional and remember those days. We were always saying ‘To the last drop of our blood, we will never leave Kobane (Em dev ji Kobanê bernadin )’. Now we are again with the same determination and stance”
Apê Nemir refers to the ongoing attacks by Turkey and its affiliated gangs against Northern and Eastern Syria which have intensified over the last years and he noted that threats against Kobane still continue to be mentioned by Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“Erdogan has always been saying ‘I will invade Kobane, I will invade Kobane’ for more than 10 years now. Kobane will be cemetary for him. We will succeed again. My one hand is gone, but I will raise the gun again with my other hand and resist. We must be in unity. This is how all four parts of Kurdistan must be. Then no one can achieve success against the Kurds. Kobane greets all of Kurdistan.”
He also mentions the cities of Ras al-Ayn (Serekanîyê), Tell Abyad (Girêspî) and Afrin (Efrîn) which are now under the control of Turkey and its armed gangs.
“I send my best wishes for victory for our people and friends in Serekanîyê, Girêspî and Efrîn. We hope that we are going to defeat the enemy and liberate these areas. My regards and best wishes are for all of Kurdistan.”
