A decade after ISIS's defeat: Kobani’s triumph of resilience
In a historic decision to support Kobani, President Masoud Barzani spearheaded efforts to unite Kurdish forces. On Oct. 22, 2014, the Kurdistan Region’s Parliament approved President Barzani’s request to dispatch Peshmerga forces to aid the city.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) –Ten years have passed since the liberation of Kobani city Northern Syria (Rojava), from the clutches of ISIS, a historic moment that marked the turning point in the fight against the terror group.
Kobani, once on the brink of devastation, now stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and defiance against tyranny.
The liberation of Kobani on Jan. 26, 2015, stands as a defining moment in Kurdish history, achieved through the combined efforts of the Peshmerga forces, the People’s Protection Units (YPG), Women's Protection Units (YPJ) and the support of the international coalition.
Kobani’s ordeal began on Sept. 13, 2014, when ISIS launched a large-scale offensive, seizing nearly 400 surrounding villages and forcing hundreds of thousands of Kurds to flee toward the Turkish border. At the peak of the assault, the group controlled 80% of the city, threatening its complete takeover.
In a historic decision to support Kobani, President Masoud Barzani spearheaded efforts to unite Kurdish forces. On Oct. 22, 2014, the Kurdistan Region’s Parliament approved President Barzani’s request to dispatch Peshmerga forces to aid the city.
By Oct. 28, 2014, Peshmerga forces set out from the Kurdistan Region, traveling through Turkey to reach Kobani. Their arrival was met with widespread support from Kurds in the Kurdistan of Turkey (Bakur), who lined the streets to welcome the fighters.
The fierce battles continued until Jan. 26, 2015, when Peshmerga forces and the YPG, YPJ bolstered by international coalition airstrikes, successfully drove ISIS out of Kobani. The victory came at a high cost, with many Kurdish fighters making the ultimate sacrifice, including Peshmerga soldier Zirvan Akram, the first Peshmerga killed in the city.
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The liberation of Kobani serves as a powerful testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and solidarity, and the recent meeting between President Masoud Barzani and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi underscores the enduring importance of Kurdish unity in overcoming challenges. the unity is seen as crucial for addressing the ongoing struggles faced by the Kurdish people and for securing a stronger future through collective efforts.
Read More: President Masoud Barzani, SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi emphasize Kurdish unity
