YPJ Komutanı Meryem Kobane: IŞİD’in Saldığı Korku Kobane’de Yenilgiye Uğradı

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Kobanê’deki çatışmalar dört ayı geride bıraktı. YPG ve YPJ güçleri gün be gün IŞİD’i Kobanê’den çıkarıyor. Son olarak neler yaşandı, nereye kadar ilerlediniz?

Meryem Kobanê: Bir süre önce başlattığımız Kobanê’yi özgürleştirme hamlesi tüm hızıyla devam ediyor. Şu anda başta Miştenur Tepesi taraflarında olmak üzere, Doğu’da ve şehir içinde Şeria Camii’nden Kanîya Kurdan’a uzanan birçok yerde, yoğun çatışmalar sonucu büyük ilerleme kaydediyoruz. Halep yolunda ilerlemeler var, Termik, Memit ve Golmit köyleri temizlendi. YPG ve YPJ savaşçıları fedai bir ruhla, eşi benzeri görülmemiş bir mücadele örneğiyle ilerliyorlar.

Koalisyonun son zamanlarda artan hava saldırısı desteğini de dile getirmeliyiz. Uçaklarda kadın pilotların olduğunu duyduk, YPJ savaşçıları olarak onlara da ayrıca teşekkür ediyoruz. Daha önce de birkaç defa belirtmiştik, biz burada savaşırken bütün dünya kadınları için savaşıyoruz. Farklı dinlerin, farklı azınlıkların, farklı kimliklerin bir arada yaşamasını kabul etmeyen IŞİD’e karşı savaşıyoruz. Nerede yaşıyorsa yaşasın fark etmez, özgürlüğü savunan demokrat her 21. yüzyıl insanı bu teröre karşı mücadele etmeli. İslam adını savaştıklarını iddia eden ama ne İslam’dan ne de insanlıktan nasibini almamış bir örgüte karşı mücadeleden bahsediyoruz ki bu onurlu bir mücadele.

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Peki, öngörünüze göre bu özgürleştirme hamlesini ne zaman zaferle sonuçlandırabilirsiniz?

Meryem Kobanê: Başlattığımız özgürleştirme hamlesi belirli bir yere varıp da durduracağımız bir hamle değil. Kobanê’nin köyleri de dahil, son bir karış topraktan da IŞİD’i çıkarana kadar özgürleştirme hamlemize devam edeceğiz.

Biraz önce kadın pilotlardan bahsettiniz. YPJ’nin mücadelesi dünyada birçok kadına ilham vermiş gibi görünüyor. Sizler hakkında şarkılar söyleniyor, yazılar yazılıyor, tablolar çiziliyor. Hillary Clinton gibi tanınmış bir kişi sizden övgüyle bahsediyor…

Meryem Kobanê: Dünya kadınlarının göz renkleri farklı olsa da bütün dünya kadınlarının gözyaşları aynı. Ortadoğu’da, Avrupa’da, nerede olursa olsun kadınlar arasında bir fark yok, hepimizin amacı aynı. Burada gerçekten büyük bir direniş örneği sergilendi, ne kitaplar yeter bunu anlatmaya ne de duygular. IŞİD’in bu topraklara hâkim olmaması için gözlerimizin önünde birçok kadın savaşçı bomba pimini çekip, bedenlerini feda ettiler, IŞİD’e teslim olmadılar. Arîn Mîrkan, Rehana gibi kadın arkadaşlarımız, Heval Baran, Şehid Diyar gibi yoldaşlarımız ve onlar gibi niceleri sonuna kadar mücadele edeceklerine dair söz vermişlerdi. Şüphesiz biz mücadele ilhamımızı onlardan alıyoruz.

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Burada, Kobane’de gösterilen mücadelenin, fedakârlığın Ortadoğu’nun Rönesans’ı olacağını düşünüyorum. Hiçbir şey burada savaşan kadınların gözünü korkutamıyor, onlar bütün halkların birlikte, eşit bir şekilde yaşayacağı günler için savaşıyor. Özgür olmak isteyen, kalbi özgürlük için her kadın bu mücadeleye destek vermeli. Ki bizim mücadelemiz sadece silahlı bir mücadele değil, toplumsal bir mücadele ve haklarımızı alma mücadelesi. Haklarınızı elde etmediğiniz sürece hem şahsi olarak, hem ülke olarak korumasız kalırsınız. Biz en zor şartlarda da kendimizi yalnız hissetmedik, savaştığımız her dakika her kadının bizi hissedeceğini düşünüyoruz. Kulağı duyan, gözleri gören herkesten isteğimiz, beklentimiz burada yaşanan kahramanlıkları, fedakârlıkları ve zorlukları yakından takip etmeleri ve destek sunmaları.

Çatışmaların en yoğun olduğu en zor günlerde yaptığımız röportajlarda umutlu bir şekilde konuşuyordunuz. O çetin şartlarda umudunuzu yitirmemenizi sağlayan şey neydi?

YPG smileee

Meryem Kobanê: Başta hemen belirtmem gerekir ki Serok Apo’nu düşünceleri duygusal tarafımıza çok fazla etkisi olmuş. Kalbimiz, mücadele eden kişinin mutlak başarı felsefesine inanmış. Umut zaferden daha onurlu bir şey. En zor günlerde de inancımızı yitirmedik, çünkü irademize inanıyorduk. Saldırıların ilk başlarında koalisyon desteği de yoktuç Ona rağmen tüm dünya büyük kahramanlıklara tanıklık etti. Kadın, erkek birçok arkadaşımız çok da etkili olmayan Kaleşnikof silahlarla bir mücadele ruhuyla savaştılar.

Şunu belirteyimki Kobanê’de iki yıldır IŞİD’e karşı mücadele var, bu bizde bir savaş tecrübesi oluşturdu. Yine bu çatışmalardan önce Serzorî Köyünde bir destan yazıldı, 12 arkadaşımız köy okulunun bahçesindeydiler ve okula 3 tank girmişti. Arkadaşlarımız teslim olmayacaklarını ve şehadetlerinin IŞİD’e dert olacağını söylemişlerdi. Bu mücadele ruhu sayesinde bir tek Kürt kalana kadar Kobanê’nin düşmeyeceğine inandık. Türk devletinin engellerine rağmen dört parça Kürdistan’dan Kobanê’ye destek için gelen insanları görünce inancımız daha da artıyordu. Sokak sokak, ev ev, karış karış savaşacağımızı söylüyorduk ki şimdi öyle yapıyoruz. IŞİD burada başarıya ulaşamayacak, Kobanê başka bir yere benzemez. Kobanê Cerablus değil, Minbic değil, Musul değil, başka bir ülke değil, Kobanê Kürdistan’dır ve Kürtlerin teslimiyeti kabul etmeyen bir ruhu var.

Koalisyonun hava saldırılarını arttırdığını belirttiniz. Koalisyonun Suriye’deki hava saldırılarının % 80’lik bir kısmı Kobanê’de gerçekleşmiş durumda. Koalisyonun artık Kobanê şehir merkezinin dışında da IŞİD’e saldırdığı aktarılıyor?

Meryem Kobanê:. YPG ve YPJ savaşçılarının, Kürt halkının onurlu mücadelesi ne olursa olsun Kobanê’de ne olursa olsun zafere ulaşılacağını ispatladı ve bu süre zarfında bütün dünya IŞİD’in sadece Kürtleri hedef almayacağını öğrendi. IŞİD farklı kültürleri, farklı dinleri, farklı kimlikleri ve de kadınları kabul etmeyen bir örgüt. Uluslararası güçler bu örgütün sadece Kobanê’nin, YPG ve YPJ’nin, Kürt halkının, Ezidi halkımızın ve Suriye’nin değil, bütün insanlık için büyük bir tehlike olduğunu gördü. IŞİD’in yaptığı şeyler İslam’ın, Kur’an’ın kabul ettiği şeyler değil. Uluslararası güçler IŞİD’in insanlığı tehdit ettiğini iyice görünce Kobanê dışına da vurmaya başladı.

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IŞİD bir toprak, bir millet, bir ülke için savaşan bir örgüt değil. Halklar arasında çatışmalar çıkarmak, her tarafı talan etmek istiyorlar. Tarihin belleğine karşı savaşıyorlar, kiliseleri, camileri yıkıyorlar. Ben bugün kiliseyi reddedebilir miyim? Camiyi reddedebilir miyim? Her iki yer de oraya gidenler için kutsal, bu tür ibadethanelere karşı saygısızlık yapamayız. Cengizhan nasıl ki bir istilada Ortadoğu’nun bütün halk değerlerini yakıp yıkıp tarihini belliğini yok etmek istediyse, bu IŞİD de aynı şeyi yapıyor. Dünya bunu gördü ve harekete geçti ve koalisyonun desteği de bu anlamda oldukça anlamlı.

Avrupa’da, Fransa’da ve Belçika’daki saldırıları da sormak istiyorum size. Bahsettiğiniz tehlike onların kapısına da dayanmış, birçok kişi IŞİD’e karşı savaştıkları için Kürtleri önemine vurgu yapıyor. Fransa’daki saldırılar hakkında ne düşünüyorsunuz?

Meryem Kobanê: Ortadoğu’nun en kadim halklarından biri de Kürt halkıdır, bu halka gerçekleştirilen saldırılar insanlığa karşı gerçekleştirilmiş saldırılardır. Ben IŞİD’i üç yıldır yakında takip ediyorum ve bu grubun nasıl düşündüğünü, nasıl hareket ettiğini çok iyi biliyorum. Bunlar bir yere saldırmadan önce sözde Kur’an fetvası gereği deyip, oraya korku salıyorlar. Ama herkes gördü ki saldıkları bu korku Kobanê’de yenilgiye uğradı. Diğer ülkelere de Müslüman olmadıkları için onlara saldırma hakkı tanıyorlar kendilerine. IŞİD sadece Kürt halkını değil, bütün dünyayı hedef alan bir örgüt, dolayısıyla bu örgüte karşı büyük bir birlik oluşturulmalı. Ortadoğu’da İslam adına hareket ediyorlar. Bu konuya da ince bir şekilde yaklaşmak lazım, bütün Müslümanlar IŞİD üyesi değil. Bunu düşünerek hareket etmeli herkes.

Londra’da iki gün önce IŞİD’e karşı uluslararası koalisyonun toplantısı vardı ve Kürtler bu toplantıda yer almaması bayağı eleştiri aldı. Kürdistan Bölgesel Başkanı Mesud Barzani konferansı eleştirdi. Suriye ve Irak’ta IŞİD’e karşı Kürtler savaşırken Kürtlerin konferansa davet edilmemesini nasıl görüyorsunuz?

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Meryem Kobanê: Batı devletleri Kürtlerin gücünü hala Kürdistan’ı işgal eden devletlerin yedek gücü olarak görüyor. İşgalci devletlerin etkisinde kalarak, onlar da Kürdistan’ın parçaları arasında sınır olmasını istiyor, Lozan Anlaşması’nda olduğu gibi. Ama sınırlar olsa da, bugün Kürtlerin kalbi bir olmuş durumda. Yeni Kürt neslini kimse kandıramaz, parçalayamaz. ‘Tavşanı ortaya atıp, tilkiyi peşine bırakma’ siyaseti artık Kürdistan’da iflas etmiştir. Kürtlerle olmadan yapılan hiçbir siyaset, anlaşma Ortadoğu’da başarıya ulaşamayacaktır. Diplomatlar bugün başarılı olduğunu düşünebilirler, ama yarın, öbür gün yanıldıklarını anlayacaklar. Bu konferansa Kürtlerin davet edilmemesi ciddi bir haksızlık. Kürt temsilcilerin olmadığı konferans sakat bir ayağa benzer ve bu bütün dünya diplomasisi için tehlike oluşturur. Sizin aracılığınızla kalbi Kobanê için atan herkese, bizi destekleyen koalisyon güçlerine teşekkür ediyoruz. En zor günde zafer sözü verdik, en güzel günde de zafer müjdesi vereceğiz.

Canadian YPG Fighter Gill Rosenberg is Safe

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Gill Rosenberg in an archive photo

Yesterday some reports spread quickly that Gill Rosenberg, a Canadian citizen of Israeli origin who joined Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) was kidnapped by ISIS.

However, Kurdish sources strongly deny such allegations and call it an ISIS propaganda. In a phone interview this morning Kobane Defense Chief Ismet Hasan said Rosenberg has never been in Kobane and it is a part of ISIS campaign against the Kurds.

Another Kurdish official in a different part of Rojava, Syrian Kurdstan, said Gill Rosenberg is safe and she met her personally yesterday.

The official who wanted to remain anonymous, because she was not authorized to speak, said Gill is safe and she wants her beloved ones not to worry about her well-being.

“If ISIS kidnapped Gill how come they are not releasing her photo? After their defeat against the YPG in Kobane, they are spreading  such rumors. I was with her yesterday and she is pretty well.”

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For my participation to a show, interview me or get a quote on Kobane and other Kurdish related issues, please contact me at mciviroglu@gmail.com

Anwar Moslem: Everyone Supporting Us Has a Share in Kobane Resistance

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Anwar Moslem

The Premier of the Kobane Canton Anwar Moslem told us about the final situation in the region as well as the recent visit he paid to Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

Mr. Anwar, you have been on a visit to Iraqi Kurdistan Region. Before talking about this visit, I want to ask you about the final situation in Kobane. Reports that YPG are making an advance and taking more areas under their control are coming through over the past couple of days. What is the current situation in Kobane?

The resistance in Kobane has left two months behind. Within this period, Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) have managed to put up an effective fight against the heavy terror attacks of ISIS, also with the support of the coalition forces. The aerial operations by coalition forces against ISIS positions and their heavy weaponry have both weakened the power of ISIS and bolstered the YPG’s morale.

It is true that YPG forces are making progress in recent days. YPG fighters have retaken 5 neighborhoods in east Kobane under control. YPG forces are in the same way advancing in south Kobane. The danger before civilians and the town however remains. The ISIS which has suffered a heavy defeat wants to devastate this city of resistance and to murder civilians vengefully. They are being responded by the YPG, peshmerga forces, Free Syrian Army (FSA) attacks on the ground and effective aerial attacks of the coalition. Thus we can say that the situation in general is good. We believe the Kobane resistance will soon end up in victory.

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During our recent talks with Kobane we have observed that the morale is high. There has always been hope in your voice but this time you are seen to be more hopeful. Is this true?

All our American and European brothers and sisters, regardless of their color and race, and the whole world have supported the YPG against the ISIS terror. It is surely beyond doubt that this made us happy and gave hope to us. This is why we say that everyone supporting us has a share in the Kobane resistance. The advance the YPG are making with this support does really make one feel happy and honored.

Well, what about your visit to the Iraqi Kurdistan Region? You were invited to a conference. How were you welcomed by the media, politicians and people?

We as the presidency of the Kobane Canton were invited to the MERI Forum 2014 Conference in Erbil. We went there to attend the conference which discussed the subject of peace and equality in the Middle East. Participants from states such as Iraq, Syria and Turkey mainly focused on this subject, as well as on the peace process in North Kurdistan. The instance of Kobane in the fight against ISIS was also discussed. It was pointed out that ISIS would be able to advance nowhere if faced a resistance like the one in Kobane everywhere. We met authorities from the political arena and the government, as well as independent ones and representatives of institutes for strategic studies from America, England and Turkey. The whole world wants to do something against terror. They also want to do something for the rights of the Kurdish people in Syria and Iraq, and the rights of the minorities living in the north of Kurdistan. These were the main issues discussed at the conference.

You said you held talks with some authorities. Whom did you meet there?

We met the Iraqi President, Mr. Fuad Masum who voiced support with Kobane and stated that Iraq was suffering from the same ISIS problem Kobane is facing.

Fuad MAsum Enwer

We also met the former Iraqi President Mr. Mam Jalal [Talabani] who in the same way voiced support with Kobane. The other meetings we had were with Mrs. Hero Talabani, Dr. Bahram Salih, all executives of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), as well as Noshirvan Mustafa, the leader of the Goran Movement and Cemil Bayik [of the PKK]. They all expressed that they supported us.

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Besides, we had some other meetings at the Kurdistan Parliament to which we expressed our thanks for the peshmerga support sent to Kobane. We met the executives of all parties in the parliament. What we have seen once again is that all Kurdish powers are supporting Kobane, opposing terror and defending peace for humanity all around the world. Some authorities from America and European states we talked with also voiced support for Kobane.

How do these mentioned American and European authorities assess the developments in Kobane? Did you highlight any demand for help and do they intend to do something in practice?

The developments taking place in Kobane and the ISIS terror are being followed closely by everyone. The whole world wants to unite against terror which Kobane is withstanding in practice for eight months now. We expressed to the American and European officials that Kobane is fighting a terrorist organization that targets not only our region but the entire world. We told that everyone must support Kobane and reiterated our demand for a security corridor. We also called attention to the situation of the displaced people in the face of challenging winter conditions approaching. They stated that they were ready to provide any help, and that they could provide further assistance, in economic, medical and other terms, in the wake of victory in Kobane.

Is there any reason why you didn’t meet Kurdistan Regional Government leader Massoud Barzani?

As is known by everyone, there is a war going on in the Kurdistan Region under attack by the ISIS. Mr. Barzani was on the battlefield while we were on the other hand short on time and therefore couldn’t have a chance for a meeting. Just like with the officials of all other parties, we held talks with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) as well.

Let me continue with questions coming from readers via Twitter. It is being said that 200 fighters affiliated to the Syrian Kurdish National Council (SKNC) will cross into Kobane, while it is on the other hand being asserted that they are not being allowed to do so by the canton administrators or the YPG. What do you have to say in this regard?

We want everyone to join the defense force in Kobane. We called all forces from across Kurdistan to support the YPG. As a force of Rojava, the SKNC must help us already. That unit of 200 fighters should have been not outside but inside Kobane by now. The Duhok Agreement has put forward a solution regarding such military issues which are under the initiative of the YPG in the canton, which means that the truth is not being reflected by the reports that administrators of political parties in the canton are not allowing the crossing of SKNC fighters. We invite everyone able to take up arms to Kobane in order to protect their lands and honor. However, it is unfortunately only the YPG left in Kobane. We however express once again that anyone can come to defend Kobane but no special force from outside can be allowed inside where the presence of two armies cannot be accepted. They can rank among the YPG which is not a political but a military force defending the Kobane canton and Rojava, and is also one of the main future forces of Syria.

So, this means the SKNC members do not want to fight under the name of the YPG, is that right?

It is, unfortunately. At this point I want to express something; the peshmerga forces here are supporting the YPG and Kobane and there is taking place no conflict or disagreement about that. Fighters of the Tuwar al-Raqqa, Shams al-Shamal and Jabhat al-Akrad groups are also present here, coming from outside to support Kobane. The youths of Kobane do not need to say that ‘we are defending here as an outsider force’ as they should be ranking among the YPG ranks anyway. Should they insist on being a separate force, this would make no good for the future and result in unfavorable consequences. We state once again that the YPG is the army of the canton and the entire Rojava territory; it is not the army of any party, as has also been approved by the Duhok Agreement. The unfair treatment against the YPG hurts us because of the fact that it is the fighters of the YPG that are fighting, getting wounded and falling a martyr here. The whole world knows the YPG reality now. While a youth coming from Sweden joins the YPG ranks to fight for humanity, why wouldn’t the youths of Kobane do the same?

One other question directed by readers is whether there has been a change in Turkey’s approach towards Kobane.

We and Turkey are neighbors. Turks, Kurds, Arabs and others are all the peoples of the Middle East. We hoped Turkey would support us but they didn’t provide the assistance we expected. We want to re-voice that ISIS is an enemy to not only Kobane and the Kurds but also to all the states and peoples of the world. For the attainment of peace in the Middle East, Turkey must support Kobane and the YPG, just like us supporting the peace process in the north of Kurdistan and Turkey.

As I have repeatedly stated so far, it is humanity, democracy and all peoples being defended in Kobane. The solidarity demonstrated by the whole world for Kobane on November 1st and the support provided by the international coalition has been important to us. We hope this support will continue for the YPG and Kobane, as well as for the protection of all peoples including Kurds, Armenians, Syriacs, Arabs and Turks.

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For my participation to a show, interview me or get a quote on Kobane and other Kurdish related issues, please contact me at mciviroglu@gmail.com

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Thanks for Berna Özgencil for translating this interview into English

Update From Kobani (October 5, 2014)

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According to Anwar Moslem, Premier of Kobani Canton fierce battles continue around the city, especially near Mistanour Hill, and they are still in full control of Kobani city.

“Fierce fights continue around the city, with clashes intensifying around Mistanour Hill. ISIS pushes hard to seize the hill, but YPG resists holding it.”

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Moslem adds that ISIS has 4 tanks near Mistanour which continuously shell the city.

Some sources report ISIS now control of southern part if Mistanour Hill while some others did not verify this information.

As far as coalition air strikes concerned, sources say there were probably 6 (some say 5, some others say 7) strikes last night. However, they did not cause serious damage since heavy shelling continue (*).

Several other sources inside Kobani also provided information similar to Mr. Moslem’s account. Additionally, they reported that there are casualties from both sides, but loses of ISIS were considerably more than YPG’s.

* Because access to areas targeted by coalition jets is limited, information of sources about the effectiveness of airstrikes may not always be accurate. However, all sources agree that Saturday, October 4 strikes were the most effective strikes of coalition forces against ISIS near Kobani.

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For feedback, quote or interview requests, please contact me at mciviroglu@gmail.com

You can follow me on Twitter for latest updates from Kobani  https://twitter.com/mutludc

Kobane Defense Minister Ismet Hasan Warns About a Massacre in Kobane

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We spoke with Kobane Defense Minister Ismet Sheikh Hasan about the situation in the city
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According to reports last night, Kobane is about to fall, or there is a possibility it might fall. What is the situation now?
Yes it is true. Generally, the clashes are ongoing in the surrounding areas of Kobane. The clashes that started 18 days ago are still continuing. ISIS is attacking Kobane with all its force and heavy weaponry. We only have light arms. We are fighting with Kalashnikovs and RPGs. This is the situation as of now, and they have not been able to enter Kobane until now. We are defending Kobane. They have surrounded Kobane on all sides but we are defending the city. They are attacking us with their artillery and tanks.
Why have they not been able to enter the city? Is it because they are waiting for something or is it down to your resistance?
We are upholding a historical resistance. In many places, in Helunce village on the east side there are many dead bodies they have left lying there. They were unable to progress from the east side. As it is well known, they are able to bring reinforcements and ammunition from Raqqa, Hasakah and Aleppo. Last night around 10pm-12am they attacked once more tanks and and artilleries and were able to breach the border of the city.
You had also said yesterday that they were able to bring reinforcements from Raqqa and the other districts. How are they able to come so easily? I thought there were air strikes against them by America and the coalition. Were these ineffective?
I don’t know. I haven’t seen new air strikes. However, 3-4 days ago they had hit a tank and a vehicle of theirs in an air strike. The place they hit last night was a village called Muburba in the east side of Kobane. I never saw any other air strike. If they have so much air power, why don’t they use it? They couldn’t have progressed so much. They could not have brought so many reinforcements.
According to some experts, ISIS is now too close to the city so air strikes are now pointless. It is said that ISIS and YPG are intertwined at the moment. They also say that ISIS has changed tactics and is no longer moving in convoys but in smaller groups so that the planes cannot spot them. What do you say to this?
I can say that ISIS are NOT inside of town. They are outside. I can show their location to whoever wants. All their forces are in Mezra Dawud village in a house with red brick which is 4-5 kilometers far away from the east of Kobane. From the West, they are in Yedoqe Village near the broadcast center [radio center which is 2 km far from Kobane] and in school of Gulmet Village and Alpanore. They are there and [US] can bomb them. Again, there are no ISIS forces inside of Kobane.
Why is this kind of information coming out then? Is it on purpose or accidental?
I would say that there are plans for Kobane. Some are thinking about their own interests, some people, states, I don’t know maybe they are spreading this information. But these are not true. They haven’t entered Kobane, they are outside Kobane. If they really wanted they could strike ISIS, even their headquarters.
I want to come back to Kobane. What is the situation of the people in Kobane? Those of you in the administration, what do you think? 
We are all living in Kobane, with our children. Two of my children are on the front lines. We will not leave Kobane, we will stay. We will resist in Kobane. We are the YPG/YPJ, those that want to combat terrorism, the whole world has shut its eyes, they don’t want too see us or listen to us. They want ISIS to succeed and not the Kurdish people.
Have you received any help from the Kurds of other parts?
Until now we have not received any help from the whole world. Only some people from the North [Kurdistan], civilized people from the North have come. Other than that no one has come and no ammunition or help has reached us. Some humanitarian aid and people have come from the North to help defend Kobane; but they are not trained and are inexperienced, we will train them.
If ISIS come, if they enter the city what will you do? Will you leave the city or will you fight?
We will resist to the end. Even if there is only one of us left we will fight for Kobane. Now we have made preparations for a fight in the city, and so we will fight in the city to the end, we will not leave Kobane for no one. The whole world is claiming that they are fighting terror; our call to them is where are they? Why are they not fighting terror? They have beheaded so many people, they took 6 people from the village of Murade, they were civilians and they beheaded two of them. The truth is the whole world has shut its eyes and don’t want to see or hear what is going on. We want to call upon those countries that are fighting against terrorism. It is the matter of time ISIS enters the city and commit a large scale massacre against the people in Kobane as happened in Sinjar. They [US and coalition] need to strike ISIS targets before too late. Threat of ISIS is not only for the Kurds but also for the entire world. Today it is the Kurds, tomorrow it will be someone else. If a massacre takes place tomorrow, international community will be responsible.
What do you think of the reaction shown by the Kurds as a people? The Kurds in Europe, or in the other parts; for example the Kurds of Diyarbakir have not opened their shops to protest ISIS. 
It is not enough. The Kurds everywhere must walk to government institutions around the whole world, they must make the world aware that these are terrorists, we want all our Kurds in Europe in whichever country they are in and make their feelings known to these countries and the institutions there. The whole world is standing by as we fight with ISIS, there is no force that can defeat ISIS but us. They should make the whole world aware of this.

IŞİD Neden Sürekli Kobanê’ye Saldırıyor?

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Irak ve Şam İslam Devleti’nin ele geçirmek istediği Kobanê’nin büyük bir önemi buluyor. Musul’da ele geçirdiği ağır ve gelişmiş silahları kullanan IŞİD’in bu kente girmesi demek hem doğu hem de batıdan geniş hareket alanı bulması anlamına gelecek.

Haber: MUTLU ÇİVİROĞLU / Arşivi

RADİKAL – Irak’ta Musul’u ve diğer birkaç bölgeyi ele geçiren Irak ve Şam İslam Devleti (IŞİD) yeni ismi ile İslami Devlet (IS) 2 Temmuz’da Kobanê’ye büyük bir saldırı başlattı. 10 tank ve başka ağır araçlar tarafından desteklendiği bildirilen bu saldırılarını Kobanê’nin batısındaki bir kaç köy, özellikle de Cerablus için stratejik değeri olan Zormixar bölgesinin etrafında yoğunlaştırdı.

Son saldırıların önemli bir farkı ise IŞİD’in geçen haftalarda Musul ve çevresinde elde ettiği ağır ve gelişmiş silahları ve kullanmasıydı. Hatta yakın dönemde IŞİD’e dahil olan bazı Saddam dönemi Iraklı subayların da Kürtlere karşı saldırıları yönettikleri YPG kaynaklarınca dillendirilmekte. Durum böyle olunca Suriye ’yi yakından takip eden uzmanların merakla sordukları soru, YPG’nin böylesi gelişmiş silahlarla yapılan saldırıları püskürtüp bölgeyi elde tutacak imkânlarının olup olmamasıydı.

IŞİD gerçekleştirdiği 3.000 ‘den fazla havan saldırısından sonra, YPG güçleri Cuma günü Zormixar ve diğer köylerden çekildi. YPG’nin taktiksel bir hamle olarak duyurduğu bu geri çekilme, akıllara ‘bir yenilgi mi ?’ sorusunu getrdi. İki taraf arasındaki şiddetli çatışmaların ardından YPG güçleri Cumartesi günü Zormixar’ın yanı sıra Xirabato, Ziyaretê ve Cedide köylerini geri almayı başardı. Şu anda bazı küçük çaplı çatışmaların devam ettiği fakat bölgenin YPG’nin kontrolü altında olduğu ve oradaki halkın moralinin yüksek olduğu bilgisi geliyor.

YPG Basın Merkezi 6 Temmuzda yaptığı açıklamada IŞİD saldırılarının kırılmış olup 200’e yakın IŞİD savaşçısının öldürüldüğünü duyurdu. Yerel kaynaklar da bu sayıyı doğruluyor. Tarlalarda gömülmeden bırakılan IŞİD’e ait birçok cesedin içinde sarı saçlı ve beyaz tenli olanlarının da bulunduğu belirtiliyor. YPG’nin açıklamalarına göre son saldırılarda 20 civarında savaşçının hayatını kaybettiği görülüyor. Yine, IŞİD’e ait 2 tank ve birkaç ağır aracın YPG tarafından tahrip edildiği, birçok silah ve mühimmatın de ele geçirildiği YPG açıklamalarında dile getirilmekte.

 

IŞİD NEDEN SÜREKLİ KOBANÊ’YE SALDIRIYOR?

Bu saldırıların birçok nedeni var. Birincisi IŞİD Musul ve Irak’taki diğer şehirlerde elde ettiği başarılardan güven alarak Suriye toprakları üzerindeki kontrolünü de genişletmek istiyor. Bunun dışında Kobanê, şu an IŞİD’in kontrolünde bulunan Girespi (Til Abyad), Cerablus ve Rakka’nın ortasında bir ada gibi duruyor. Kobanê’yi bu kendi kontrolü altındaki bölgeleri birbirine bağlamak için ve de yeni ilan ettiği “İslam Devletinin” bir parçası yapmak istiyor. Böylesi önemli bir şehrin kontrolünü ele geçirmesi demek, hem doğu hem de batıdan geniş hareket alanı bulması anlamına gelecek, yeni topraklar ele geçirmesini kolaylaştıracak.

Bunun dışında, Kobanê’nin ele geçmesiyle beraber Urfa’nın Suruç ilçesindeki Mürşitpınar Sınır Kapısı’nın kontrolünü de ele geçirmiş olacak. IŞİD’in özellikle ticaret, eleman ve mühimmat geçişi, hastaların tedavisi vb. nedenlerden dolayı sınır kapılarına önem verdiği biliniyor. Bu bağlamda önümüzdeki dönemlerde Kürtlerin elinde bulunan Serekaniye ve Til Koçer ile diğer İslami grupların elinde bulunan Azaz’daki sınır kapılarına saldırılar düzenlemesi muhtemel.

Bu saldırılarla IŞİD, ayrıca Kobanê’yi Kürt Dağı Bölgesi yani Afrin Kantonu ve Cezire Kantonlardan da koparmak istiyor. Şu sıralar üç Kürt Kantonu arasında gidiş gelişler oldukça zor. Yerel yetkililere göre birçok sivil Cerablus ve Til Abyad’da IŞİD tarafından rehin tutuluyor.

Aynı şekilde IŞİD tarafından Minbiç yakınlarında kaçırılan yüzden fazla Kürt öğrenci bir ayı aşkın zamandır rehin tutuluyor. Gerek İnsan Hakları İzleme Örgütü (HRW), gerek UNICEF ve de diğer kurumların tüm çağrılara rağmen bu çocuklar ve diğer siviller halen serbest bırakılmış değiller. Kobanê Kanton yetkilileri ve bölgedeki insan hakları savunucuları, IŞİD’in rehin tuttuğu çocukları ve diğer sivilleri YPG’ye karşı baskı oluşturmak ve arkasındaki halk desteğini yok etmek için kullandığını belirtmekteler. Bu kaynaklar IŞİD’in ayrıca YPG’nin elindeki üyelerini salıverilmesi konusunda bir pazarlık kozu olarak da sivilleri kaçırdığını iddia etmekteler.

Kobanê’nin IŞİD’in eline geçmesi, örgüte birçok avantaj getireceği için oradaki halka her türlü zulüm yapılmaktan kaçınmıyor. IŞİD siviller kaçırıyor, bazılarını alenen çarmıha gerip, işkenceyle öldürüyor. Birçok defa sivillerin evlerinin tahrip edildiği ve mal ve mülklerine de el konulduğunu yerel kaynaklar sıkça dile getiriyorlar. Hatta Kobanê’nin içme suyunun bile IŞİD tarafından birçok defa kesildiği de kamuoyu tarafından bilinen bir durum.

Devam eden bu saldırıların bir diğer önemli nedeni ise Kobanê’nin 19 Temmuz 2012’de Esad rejiminden kurtulan ilk şehir olması ve Rojavalı Kürtler için manevi bir öneme sahip olması. Kürtlerin bu şehri kaybetmesi büyük bir moral kırıklığı yaratacak ve elde ettikleri kazanımlara büyük bir darbe olacak. Yani Kobanê’ye yapılan saldırılar Kürtlerin Suriye’de elde ettiği başarılara da bir saldırı anlamına da geliyor. YPG kaynaklarına ve yerel yetkililere göre IŞİD muhtemelen saldırılarını Kürtlerin Kobanê’yi alışının ikinci yıldönümünde artırarak devam edeceği.

Zaten hafta başından beri IŞİD’in hem güneyden, hem de doğudan yeni saldırılara başladığı haberleri de gelmekte. YPG, Kobanê’nin 35 kilometre güneyinde bulunan Kunheftar yakınlarındaki çatışmalarda 40’a yakın IŞİD üyesinin öldürüldüğünü, kendilerinin de 2 kayıp verdiklerini belirtmekte.

IŞİD’in, Kobanê’nin batısıyla birlikte eşzamanlı olarak doğudan yani Akçale’nin karşısındaki Til Abyad’dan yapmaya çalıştığı ilk saldırılar ise YPG, Kürt Cephesi ve Özgür Suriye Ordusu (ÖSO)’ya bağlı bazı grupların da desteğiyle püskürtüldü. IŞİD bu saldırıyla YPG’yi her iki yönden kıstırmayı amaçlıyordu ki bunda başarılı olamadı. 7 Temmuz Pazartesi günü başlayan ve bugün Salı da yoğunlaşarak devam eden çatışmalarda ise, yine Til Abyad’dan saldırıya geçen IŞİD güçleriyle YPG arasında sert çarpışmaların yaşandığı haberleri gelmekte.

Şu an itibariyle görünen, IŞİD’in Irakta ele geçirdiği gelişmiş silahlara rağmen yüksek askeri kabiliyeti ve disiplini ile bilinen ve geniş halk tabanı olan YPG karşısında üstünlük sağlayamadığı. Fakat yukarda da belirttiğimiz gibi IŞİD’in önümüzdeki günlerde saldırılarına devam etmesi de oldukça güçlü bir ihtimal. Bu nedenle de hem Kobanê Kantonu yönetimi ve Salih Müslim, hem de KCK adına Murat Karayılan’ın açıklamaları dikkat çekici. Hiç şüphe yok ki Kobanê’nin geleceği hem Rojava’daki kazanımlar, hem de Kürtlerin tamamı için önemli bir role sahip olacak.

http://www.radikal.com.tr/dunya/isid_neden_surekli_kobanye_saldiriyor-1201038

Polcat Can of YPG: Extremist Groups Attack Us with Support from Assad

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In this Interview with Rudaw, Polat Can, Head of the Information Center of the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), says that Islamist groups are attacking from many fronts in order to include the Kurdish areas in their proposed Islamic state.

However, says Can, the YPG has withstood the attacks and killed hundreds of fighters from these groups. According to Can, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is waging its war on Rojava with the support of the Syrian regime.

First of all, can you tell us of the latest situation of the ongoing fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), especially around Kobane (Ain al-Arab) and other towns? 

Polat Can: As you know there have been fierce clashes between the Kurdish People’s Defense Units (YPG) and ISIS gangs. Their purpose is to occupy the Kobane Canton and putting an end to the freedom Kurdish people are enjoying in Rojava. They wanted to include Kobane into their Islamic state. That is why they launched broad attacks against Kobane from the east, west and south. They attack us with the support of the Assad regime, and also Turkey is turning a blind eye. However, thanks to the heroic resistance of the YPG and people of Kobane, the intensive attacks of the ISIS were repelled and they were defeated.

During those attacks the ISIS suffered more than 400 causalities some of whom were senior leaders. In clashes around Girkendal, Ashme and Dilkino villages as well as the town of Sirrin, ISIS gangs suffered big losses, and could not reach their strategic goal which was separating the Kobane Canton from Jazira and Efrin Cantons. In order to isolate Kobane and prevent the YPG from receiving reinforcements from other regions, those gangs wanted to open another front in Jazira in Tirbespi (Qahtaniya), Derik (Malikiyah), Jaz’a and Sarekaniye (Ras al-Ain). In Jaz’a our forces killed number of senior ISIS commanders of the Hasakah region including Abu Maria, Abu Yousef, Abu Ma’az al-Ansari, Abu Faruq Omar al-Turki.

 They attack us with the support of the Assad regime, and also Turkey is turning a blind eye. 

 

Also, on the Sarekaniye front, they suffered severe casualties. They wanted to attack some villages—that the YPG had previously liberated—to open a new front there, and prevent the YPG from advancing towards Kobane. As a result, they launched a huge attack on Manajir and Tal Khanzir Xinzir regions. Not only did the YPG successfully repel their attacks, we also liberated some more villages. The ISIS’s intense attacks against Rojava were defeated by the YPG and I can clearly say that Kurdish people’s resistance has gained a strategic victory.

You said that over 400 ISIS members were killed by the YPG. Some say that this number is exaggerated. Did you really kill that many ISIS members?

Polat Can: It is our principle to avoiding exaggeration or misinformation. When a comrade gets martyred, we declare it publicly. We will openly announce the true number of our losses and publish their photos. We hold official public funerals for our martyrs. As for the mercenary groups we kill, we decided not to publish any pictures of their dead bodies. But, if any media wants to see those photos, we are willing to share the photos we have with press. Besides, the ISIS and others also announce the death of their members on their websites and via Facebook and Twitter. They also publish pictures of their own casualties through the Internet. There is certainly no exaggeration in our figures.

I want to remind you that these mercenary groups came to Kobane from other regions such as from Latakia, Idlib, Aleppo, Deir ez-Zor, and Raqqah. They come from a wide range of countries including Chechnya, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Libya, Tunisia, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. So, the figure of 440 is not an exaggeration. It is precise and certain.

What about YPG losses?

Polat Can: In these clashes 35 of our comrades got martyred. We declared them all with their names and pictures. Our martyrs are the children of the people of this region. Their deaths are publicly known and cannot in any way be hidden.

You mentioned that ISIS members come from other regions to fight the YPG with the help of the Assad regime. Some experts are not convinced that Assad is supporting the ISIS. Also, there is a common notion that Turkey is no longer actively supporting extremist groups as it used to. How do you comment on these two points?

  They come from a wide range of countries including Chechnya, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Libya, Tunisia, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.  

 

Polat Can: We should, first, look at who is benefiting from those attacks against Rojava? The answer is the ISIS and the Syrian regime. The Assad regime does not want the Kurds to make any advances. As you know, numerous units of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) were defeated by the ISIS. These days, many FSA fighters have taken refuge in the Kurdish regions. In many fronts the YPG and FSA forces are fighting side by side against extremists. It is not in the regime’s interests that Kurds are powerful and that Rojava remains safe. Furthermore, the regime wants to play Kurds and the FSA-related groups off against each other. We have some certain intelligence in this regard.

It has been several months since the ISIS forces have not fired a shot against the regime forces. Plus, regime warplanes have bombed so many civilians in Aleppo, Idlib, Homs and other places, yet not raided any of the ISIS military bases. The public should know that most of the ISIS fighters attacking us came from Deir ez-Zor, Shaddadeh, and Markadeh, passing through Kawkar Mountain in Hasakah. If the regime forces wanted, they could have easily shelled and exterminated them all. But, they did not.

As for Turkey, the leaked tapes of [Ahmet] Davutoglu and other Turkish officials revealed their plan to invade and occupy Rojava. What the ISIS is doing serves Turkey. Ankara thinks it is not in its interests that its neighboring Kurds establish their own government, make progresses, and run their own affairs. They continuously use a negative rhetoric against us. Besides, Turkish soldiers, sometimes, evacuate their border outposts to let ISIS pass through and attack Kurdish villages. We have proof in our hands about this.

Now, on the border between Rojava and Iraqi Kurdistan, some trenches are being dug and some demonstrations are being held against it. However, the Kurdistan Democrat Party (KDP) officials say that the trenches are to prevent terrorists from crossing into the Kurdistan Region. How do you comment on this statement? What do you think these are trenches for?  

Polat Can: Those trenches are disgrace! After the Sykes–Picot Agreement was signed and Kurdistan was partitioned into four parts, no trenches were dug. Between the state of Syria and Turkey there were no trenches dug. They planted mines and fenced the borders. Similarly, even when the Baath regimes in Iraq and Syria were on worst terms, they did not dig any trenches; they had just raised the soil on the border.

Today in the Jazira Canton, there is a Kurdish administration. On the other side, there is another Kurdish administration. It is a pity that the KDP is building such a thing. KDP’s statements about these trenches are not convincing at all. On the Rojava side of the border, there are YPG forces, so the border is protected. Until now, no one has ever witnessed any terrorists crossing into Zakho from Derik! Such statements are baseless allegations. Terrorists they are talking about use Sunni Arab regions while crossing the border!

In the region where trenches are dug, poor Kurdish villagers cross the border in order to buy some basic needs such as food, medicine, gasoline and necessary stuff. Digging these trenches is a political decision which aims at deepening the existing embargo and further isolating Rojava.

My last question is about YPG’s call for support against the ISIS attacks, and reactions to this call. It was widely reported in the media that people have actively responded to your call, but what about the political parties, especially those who are in the Syrian Kurdish National Council (SKNC)? 

Polat Can: First of all, I would like to mention that Murat Karayilan made an appeal in Newroz and asked the Kurdish youth from Northern Kurdistan (Bakur) to support Rojava. We want to thank him for that stance. Many Kurdish parties from Northern Kurdistan and other parts made statements in support of Rojava, but not much in terms of direct help. But, many youth from northern, southern, and eastern parts of Kurdistan arrived Rojava, and they are now active within the YPG ranks.

  On the Rojava side of the border, there are YPG forces, so the border is protected. 

 

From the North, especially from Urfa some youth joined YPG. People in Kobane and Urfa belong to same tribes and they are relatives. Also, the proximity makes it easier for the youth of Urfa to cross to Rojava. Some grab their guns and cross from their villages into Kobane villages and fight with us. Some others support us by bringing medicine and other things. The Kurdish people have shown their support for Rojava and responded positively to our call and stood with us.

What about political parties?

Polat Can: The stance of political parties in Kobane or their regional organizations in Kobane was brave and deserves appreciation. Many party members joined the resistance although their parties did not have central decisions on this. The Syrian Kurdish Democratic Unity Party (PYDKS) which is a KNC member positively responded to our call for support. Party leader Mohieddine Sheik Ali’s call was very meaningful when he asked his party members to actively support the YPG and defend Kobane. Jamal Sheikh Baqi’s Kurdish Democratic Party also actively responded to our call. Their members are currently fighting with us. Some members of the KNC parties were disappointed that their party headquarters were insensitive to the attacks against Kobane. This was the case with the Al-Party whose members left the party and KNC and joined the resistance. Such decisions clearly showed that, not only we were disappointed about the stance of the KNC to the recent events, but that their own members were disappointed too.

We want everyone to know that the YPG is the protector of Rojava, and the success of Rojava is the success of all four parts of Kurdistan. With the help of our people we are sure that we will succeed.

http://rudaw.net/english/interview/140420141#sthash.lC6bxWO4.dpuf

Major Reasons of ISIS Offensive on Kobane?

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ISIS attacks against Kobane (Ain al-Arab) very significant for several reasons:

First, ISIS wants to expand its control over a larger geography but Kobane in the middle of ISIS dominated areas, stands as a big obstacle in front of this goal. ISIS currently controls Girsespi (Tab Abyad), Jarablus and Raqqah. It desperately wants Kobane to connect the areas under its control and seize the border gate with Turkey as well.

ISIS also wants to cut Kobane from Kurdish Mountain Region which Afrin is the center and Jazira (Hasakah). As of now, moving between three Kurdish Cantons is difficult. If Kobane falls to ISIS, the situation for Kurds will get much worse. Such a development will also demoralize Kurds psychologically, and will provide advantage to pursue its further goals. ISIS does not hesitate to use any means to seize the city that’s why they even cut off the water of the city.

One other factor to remember is that Kobane is the first city in Rojava to be freed from Assad regime. Therefore, it has a special meaning for Kurds in Rojava. Taking control of such an important city will enable Kobane to seize new territories from east and west direction.

Such an ISIS achievement will also be a message for Kurds that ISIS [and its regional supporters] will not allow Kurdish autonomy in Syria.

ISIS Attack on Kobane and Hasakah

In the long run reaching Hasakah is one of major goals of ISIS. But, Hasakah currently controlled by three different forces YPG (in Kurdish side of the city), Assad and opposition. So, it is not that easy for ISIS to control Hasakah, but they certainly want to expand their control in Syria.

Hasakah City is the administrative center of the Hasakah governorate. It is an important road junction near the Turkish and Iraqi borders. It is also an important agricultural region; wheat, rice, cotton etc. It is also close to oil fields in north (Ramalan area). In a way, controlling Hasakah will provide any group an important advantage over the others.

However, given YPG’s superior military capabilities, discipline and large popular support makes it very difficult for ISIS to defeat YPG and control Kobane.

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Urgent Call to UN and European Union

Kobanê, 26th March 2014

The region of Kobanê  (Ayn-Al-Arab) has been under attack from gangs linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) for about 3 weeks. ISIS has been attacking the area from three directions: Jarablus to the west, Sarrin to the south, and Tal Abyad to the east. They have surrounded Kobanê from three sides after gathering all their forces deployed in Deyrel Zor, Halep, Raqqa, Lazkiye and other regions around the Kobanê Canton.

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Enwer Muslim

Hundreds of Kurds and Arabs have been forced to leave their homes in villages in Rakka and Tel Abyad due to threats from ISIS.

The aim of these attacks is to sever links between the Kurdish cantons of Kobanê, Afrin and Cizîre that were declared in January this year. The Canton of Kobanê was the first declared canton. We are seeing the current attacks as revenge against the Kurdish solution of Democratic Autonomy. The attacks are aiming to punish our people for their demands of the internationally legitimateright to self-determination, which was practised in Rojava in the form of the Cantons.

The goal of the attacks in Rojava and Kobanê is to install the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) in the lands of Syria.  Surrounding countries and in particular Turkey are continuing to support these forces, because these states were not happy with the Kurdish solution of Cantons.

These various gangs, particularly ISIS, are saying that they are against the Syrian regime; they say that they are coming to power with their advances against Damascus, Dêrezor, and Lazkiye. But in recent days they have pulled their forces back from here and sent them to Rojava. The clear aim is to destroy the Kurdish solution of Democratic Autonomy in Syria, which was organised due to the three Cantons.

Since the ISIS is surrounding the Canton they are targeting the civilians systematically.  In addition to our call to the Kurdish political parties as well as the Kurdish people, we are calling for immediate aid and international diplomatic and political intervention to stop these current attacks. So long as the attacks of ISIS will continue the people of the Kobanê canton will face a serious human tragedy. It seems that the ISIS will continue to surround the whole region. Since the attack of ISIS and Al Qaeda the population of the Kobanê Canton has tripled and reached nearly 700 thousand.

The only border crossing open at present is the Mürşitpınar (Kobanê) gate opened to Urfa’s Suruç in Turkey.

The UN and EU must ensure the opening of border gates from Turkey for humanitarian aid and human rights organisations. Furthermore, the UN and EU must urge Turkey for an immediate halt to support for the gangs against the Kurdish people in Rojava.

 

Enver Muslim

President of the Kobanê Canton