Escalating Turkish attacks pose threat to humanitarian situation in Kobani

A reliable source from Kobani explained to Kurdistan24 that “The ongoing security threats, exacerbated by the withdrawal of humanitarian organizations, have crippled the labor market.”

Welcome sign to Kobani (Photo: Radikal)
Welcome sign to Kobani (Photo: Radikal)

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Turkey continues its military incursion on the Kobani district in Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava), resulting in casualties and a deteriorating humanitarian and economic situation. Turkish airstrikes, particularly over the last few days, have targeted several villages in and around Kobani, causing both civilian and military casualties.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported on Sunday that at least 31 civilians, including five women and two children, had lost their lives in clashes between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Turkish-backed factions over the past month.

Violence has spiked in areas such as Manbij, with Turkish-backed armed groups intensifying their incursions, seeking control of strategic locations within the region, including the cities of Manbij and Tal Rifaat. The SDF has reported that they have successfully thwarted multiple attacks but acknowledge the pressure of intensified Turkish military support, including airstrikes and drone attacks.

The conflict, while focused on military objectives, has had far-reaching consequences for the local population.

A reliable source from Kobani explained to Kurdistan24 that “The ongoing security threats, exacerbated by the withdrawal of humanitarian organizations, have crippled the labor market.” They also noted that “Most local businesses and workshops have shut down, and unemployment has skyrocketed.” Without sufficient aid and protection, the economy in Kobani has stagnated, and the situation has led many residents to seek safety and work elsewhere.

International responses have focused on the need to preserve stability in the region. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described Kobani as a symbol of the Kurds' courageous fight against ISIS and emphasized that further bloodshed is detrimental to both the people of Syria and the region's long-term peace prospects. She urged Turkey to respect Syria's territorial integrity and cease its bombardments. Meanwhile, US military reinforcements have been sent to bolster the region, with 20 truck convoys arriving in Kobani from Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. These reinforcements are part of an ongoing strategy by the US-led Coalition to maintain a stable military presence in northeastern Syria.

Despite these efforts, the future of Kobani remains uncertain. The security situation is deteriorating, and the economic downturn continues to affect daily life. Residents, already grappling with the impact of Turkish airstrikes and economic hardship, are left with little hope for a quick resolution. As the region faces both military aggression and humanitarian crises, the need for international diplomacy and intervention becomes ever more urgent to prevent further escalation and loss of life in Kobani and surrounding areas.

The Turkish government, which listed the SDF as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and a threat to its national security, has intensified its bombardments in a bid to weaken Kurdish influence in the region. This has been particularly evident since Turkey's withdrawal of support for the Syrian regime and the growing strength of Turkey-backed forces in Syrian territories. The SDF's strategic retreat from Manbij and Deir ez-Zor under Turkish pressure highlights the escalating power dynamics in the region.

Kobani's historical significance cannot be overstated. The town became a symbol of resistance against ISIS during the Syrian Civil War in 2014 when Kurdish forces, supported by Peshmerga units and coalition airstrikes, successfully repelled ISIS forces that had attempted to seize control of the city. Today, as Turkish-backed factions launch operations in the area, the town finds itself once again at the crossroads of geopolitical conflict, now not against ISIS but against a rising Turkish-backed military presence.