The Platform of Democratic Institutions organized a protest march in the Suruç district, in Urfa province, which borders the northern Syrian city of Kobane.
The symbol of resistance against ISIS and the defeat of the terrorist organization in 2014, Kobane has been under a total siege for days amid escalated attacks by Turkish-backed mercenaries, Damascus-affiliated HTS militias and ISIS mercenaries who have been freed by their fellow militias from prisons in recent days. As attacks in the vicinity of the city continue unabated, the Turkish army deployed tanks and howitzers to the Kobane border on Wednesday. Along with the ongoing brutal attacks, serious problems with accessing humanitarian needs have begun to emerge across the city. The electricity, water, and internet cuts that started on Wednesday are continuing, and people are unable to meet their daily needs.
The march in the Suruç district opposite Kobane was also joined by representatives from the DEM Party (Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party), DBP (Democratic Regions Party), Peoples’ Democratic Congress (HDK), Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP), Social Freedom Party (TÖP), Labour Movement Party (EHP), Socialist Refoundation Party (SYKP), Labour Party (EMEP), Green Left Party (YSP), Confederation of Public Workers’ Unions (KESK), Alevi Bektaşi Federation, Pir Sultan Abdal Cultural Association, and many other democratic mass organizations and political parties.
Thousands of people started marching to the Kobanê border, chanting slogans in solidarity with the resistance in Kobane and Rojava.
A crackdown by the police did not deter the demonstrators, who were confronted with tear gas and violent attacks. Masses are trying to reach the border through side streets, resisting the police attack.