A commemoration event was held on 26 January in Kobani (Kobanê), northern Syria, to mark the 10th anniversary of the city’s liberation from ISIS seige, a battle seen as a turning point in the global fight against extremism. Delegations from Europe and beyond, including representatives from Italy, France, Spain, the UK and the US, joined local residents in the Kurdish city to commemorate this historic victory, as reported by Chris Den Hond for Medya News.
The commemorations began with a poignant visit to Kobani’s martyrs’ cemetery, where the sacrifices of the young fighters—many only 18 or 19 years old—were honoured.
Speaking on behalf of the French delegation, which is on a fact-finding mission to northern Syria, Danielle Simonnet, an MP for the New Popular Front, said:
“We are here to speak to the international community, the European Union, the French government and our president Emmanuel Macron: Take your responsibilities. Tell Erdoğan to stop his attacks in Tishreen [Tişrin]. Refugees from Afrin [Efrîn] want to live in their country with freedom, equality, and democracy.”
David Adler of the Progressive International stressed the inspiration Kobani had produced globally:
“We see this victory as the seed of a revolutionary project on democratic federalism that continues to inspire all our members around the world in their own pursuit of a peaceful, pluralistic and democratic future.”
Amedeo Ciaccheri, a city councillor from Rome, reflected on the solidarity between Rome and Kobani, which began when Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan sought refuge in
Italy 25 years ago:
“Ten years ago, Kobane called for international solidarity, and we were there. From that moment, we became brothers and sisters.”
The delegation also joined in singing that tribute to shared resistance and freedom struggles, the anti-fascist anthem Bella Ciao.
Jerome Gleizes, a Paris city councillor representing the Greens, drew personal parallels:
“I am really very touched. It brings back memories of long ago. It also reminds me of my friend Bernard Maris, who was assassinated in Paris at Charlie Hebdo while writing an article about Rojava.”
Lamya Kirouani, an elected representative in a French departmental assembly, highlighted France’s debt to the Kurds: “When the Kurds fought ISIS, it was not only for themselves; they saved all of humanity. Today, they are building a new state where Muslims, Christians, Kurds, Arabs and Syriacs live together. France must take responsibility.”
Progressive International reaffirmed their support, saying, “We are here to honour Kobani’s sacrifice and to bring international attention to a fragile diplomatic process that may bring peace to its peoples.”
The liberation of Kobani, achieved by the Kurdish Peoples’ Protection Units (YPG) and Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) forces with support from US-led airstrikes, paved the way for the defeat of ISIS from its territorial strongholds. However, the region now faces renewed threats to stability under escalated Turkish military attacks. In response, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has called on the international community to condemn Turkey’s actions.
The event concluded with renewed calls for global solidarity to protect Kobani and its revolutionary vision of democracy, coexistence and freedom.
