Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Kobane’s Struggle: Resilience Amid Renewed Turkish Attacks on Syrian Kurds

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In the heart of Kobane, Syria, the air is thick with tension and the echoes of war. Menzeer al-Hamid, a seasoned ambulance medic, stands in his yard, gazing out over the city he has devoted his life to serving. The distant roar of Turkish jets and the ominous thud of bombs punctuate the silence, a grim reminder of the conflict that has once again engulfed this resilient community. Al-Hamid, who has witnessed the ravages of war firsthand, reflects on the paradox of his situation: “We like freedom and peace — we don’t want to fight. But when war came again to our doors, I said ‘I will go.’”

Kobane, a city of over 100,000 nestled along the Turkish border, is no stranger to violence. It gained international notoriety during the brutal siege by the Islamic State from 2014 to 2015, when the Kurdish militia known as the People’s Protection Units (YPG) fought valiantly to defend it. The city has since become a symbol of Kurdish resistance and resilience, but the current situation is dire. Following the recent fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Turkish-backed militias have launched a fierce offensive against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the coalition of Kurdish and Arab fighters that now controls the region.

The humanitarian situation in Kobane has deteriorated dramatically. Turkish airstrikes have targeted both military and civilian sites, leading to significant casualties. In just six weeks, al-Hamid has lost half of his six-person ambulance crew. “As ambulance drivers, we really love our work and doing something humane,” he says, his voice heavy with grief. “We heal our injured and bring back the fallen ones.” The relentless bombardment has left the city without electricity or reliable water supply for nearly two months, following damage to the Tishreen Dam, a crucial hydroelectric plant. Residents now rely on water delivered by trucks, which is insufficient to meet their needs, leading to a public health crisis exacerbated by the lack of sanitation and heating.

Life in Kobane has adapted to these harsh realities. The bustling souk, or market, is a testament to the community’s resilience, with vendors selling everything from falafel to beauty products, albeit under the constant threat of airstrikes. Streets are shielded from aerial view with makeshift coverings, and businesses close early as darkness falls, leaving families to navigate their homes with flashlights. Mahmoud, a local restaurant owner, laments the changes: “We used to work until 10 or 11 p.m. Now, with the electricity cut, it starts to become dark around 4 or 5 p.m. Everyone brings their kids home, and we also close our shop. It is very difficult.”

The situation is further complicated by the ongoing conflict between Turkish forces and the SDF. Protests have erupted at the Tishreen Dam, with civilians gathering to voice their opposition to the attacks. However, these demonstrations have not gone unnoticed by Turkish forces, who have responded with airstrikes on protesters. Al-Hamid knows the risks all too well; he lost friends in a recent attack on a civilian convoy supporting the protests. “It is immoral, but Kurds are hit everywhere they are, even in ambulances,” he states, highlighting the blatant disregard for international humanitarian laws.

The plight of Kobane’s residents is compounded by the historical context of Kurdish struggles for autonomy. The Kurds, an ethnic group divided across several countries, have faced systemic discrimination and violence. In Syria, the YPG emerged as a significant force during the civil war, establishing a degree of autonomy in the region known as Rojava. However, this autonomy has been met with hostility from Turkey, which views the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group that has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state for decades.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, the spirit of Kobane remains unbroken. Al-Hamid’s home is a symbol of hope; it has been rebuilt with solar panels and fruit trees, a testament to the community’s determination to thrive amidst adversity. “For us, it doesn’t matter if we are full or hungry, without water or electricity,” says Brader, another local restaurant owner. “We are very resilient people.”

As Kobane faces yet another chapter of conflict, the international community’s attention remains crucial. Human Rights Watch has condemned the attacks on civilians and medics, calling for accountability for what appears to be war crimes. The ongoing struggle of Kobane’s residents serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the enduring quest for freedom and dignity in the face of relentless adversity.

The situation in Kobane is a microcosm of the broader struggles faced by the Kurdish people and highlights the urgent need for international awareness and intervention. As the world watches, the resilience of Kobane’s residents stands as a powerful testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and fight for a better future.

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