On 26 January 2025, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) issued a statement marking the 10th anniversary of the victory of the Kobani (Kobanê) resistance against the so-called Islamic State (ISIS). The SDF highlighted the historical and global significance of this triumph, stressing its pivotal role in defeating ISIS and shaping subsequent efforts to overcome ISIS throughout the region.
“The victory in Kobani was not just a local triumph, but a victory for humanity,” the SDF said, noting the northern Syrian city’s role in paving the way for global efforts to defeat ISIS. “Despite being besieged on all sides and the harsh conditions it faced, Kobani overcame these challenges and proved that determination and resistance can achieve historic victories.”
The SDF paid tribute to the sacrifices of fighters from the People’s Protection Units (YPG) and the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), as well as volunteers from Kurdistan and around the world who confronted ISIS during the siege of Kobani. After four months of intense fighting since the start of the battle in September 2014, the Kurdish forces, led by the YPG and YPJ with the support of the Global Coalition to Defeat Da’esh (ISIS), achieved a decisive victory on 26 January 2015.
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The SDF highlighted the fundamental role of the resistance Kobani in inspiring both subsequent campaigns to liberate other Syrian territories from ISIS including its self-declared capital of Raqqa (Reqa), and the final defeat of the jihadist group in Baghouz. “The will and resistance of the YPG and YPJ fighters in Kobani became the legacy that enabled our forces to advance and achieve further victories,” the SDF said.
The statement also credited the Kobani resistance with laying the groundwork for the establishment of the SDF itself, and for fostering strategic alliances with regional and international actors, particularly the Global Coalition. “This collaboration, especially during the Kobani resistance, played a significant role in the defeat of ISIS, and remains deeply respected and appreciated by our people,” it said.
They used the occasion to highlight ongoing threats to Kobani, particularly attacks by Turkish forces and their allied militias. They called on the international community, human rights organisations and free nations to intervene and prevent further aggression. Reaffirming their commitment to defending Kobani, the SDF vowed to resist attacks with even greater ferocity than in their fight against ISIS, stating: “We will make every sacrifice to defend Kobani and ensure that it remains untouched.”
Marking the anniversary, the SDF also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding all parts of North and East Syria (Rojava) from all forms of aggression. Their statement concluded with a powerful message of resilience: “We will not hesitate to intensify our resistance against any attack, regardless of the cost.”
