The Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) issued a written statement regarding the ongoing wave of attacks on Kobanê and Cizir Canton and called upon the international community, including the International Coalition against ISIS, to immediately stop the attacks and put an end to the crimes committed against civilians.
The DAANES statement on Thursday reads as follows:
“We confirm our full commitment to the declared ceasefire and to preventing the bloodshed of our people, as well as to protecting the security and stability of our region. However, armed groups affiliated with the government in Damascus are deliberately and systematically violating the ceasefire and ruthlessly attacking civilians and our residential areas, particularly the city of Kobanê and the Cizir canton.
The attacks on Kobanê are not a routine military operation, but a war crime. Kobanê is a turning point in history and the place that brought about the end of the terrorist organization ISIS, which has posed a major threat to all of humanity. Kobanê is being targeted because it is the symbol of resistance and protected the world. Today, Kobanê is deprived of water, electricity, and basic services amid constant attacks on its infrastructure. Most recently, its internet connection has been cut off, severing its link to the world.
The events in the Kobanê and Cizir canton constitute a systematic genocidal campaign waged against the Kurdish people, aimed at breaking the will of our people and eliminating their gains. The entire world has witnessed the violations and crimes committed against the Kurds and the fighters in Raqqa and other regions. Today, these crimes are being repeated without any response.
We strongly condemn the brutal attacks against our people. We hold the attacking parties responsible for the consequences of this dangerous escalation. We call upon the international community, including the International Coalition against ISIS, to immediately stop the attacks and put an end to the crimes committed against civilians.
We also call upon our determined people, the friends of the Kurdish people throughout Kurdistan and around the world, to strengthen the level of struggle and resistance and to protect the gains achieved through the resistance of our martyrs and fighters and the will of our free people.
Today is the day for national unity. Today, Kurds from all corners of Kurdistan stand united against the crimes of genocide. History will record this resistance in golden letters. Our people will preserve their commitment and determination to freedom, honor, and the right to life.”