The fighters of the People’s and Women’s Defense Units (YPG and YPJ) are preparing for a new phase of resistance. On the front line outside Kobanê, they spoke to ANF and reaffirmed their determination to defend the people against the current attacks, seeing their efforts as part of a broader struggle for freedom.
In the fall of 2014, the city became a global symbol of resistance against the terrorist organization “Islamic State” (ISIS). Now, more than eleven years later, Kobanê is once again at the center of a war involving Syrian government militias such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and remaining ISIS cells—supported by the Turkish army. While the civilian population is organizing itself on the basis of self-defense, the defense units are fighting on the front lines against the attempted occupation.
“We defend ourselves with the strength we receive from the people and with the will we have inherited from our fallen comrades,” said YPJ fighter Amara Mêrdîn. “Our motto is: “Berxwedan Jiyan e” [Resistance is life]. We will fight to the last drop of blood. Not an inch of this land will be surrendered to the enemy.”
In her message, Amara Mêrdîn also addressed Kurds outside Rojava and emphasized the importance of national unity. In particular, she called for support from Northern Kurdistan: “The people in the North should not hesitate to stand by us. The borders between us must not divide us.”
YPG fighter Seydo Kobanê said that their position is located about 20 kilometers from Kobanê. “We are facing a barbaric enemy who wants to destroy our people and our values,” he said. “But we are prepared to give our lives for a dignified life on our own soil. Our people should know that the freedom fighters are protecting them.”