The YPG General Command issued a written statement titled “The 11th anniversary of Kobanê’s victory against ISIS.”
The statement said: “On the 11th anniversary of the expulsion of the ISIS terrorist organization from the region and the victory of the Kobanê resistance, today we are passing through a stage of historic importance that concerns not only Kobanê, but also the peoples of the region and all humanity. This anniversary was not merely a military victory; it was also a revolution of will and a cry for life against a project of death and darkness.
Eleven years ago, Kobanê faced one of the most brutal attacks carried out by ISIS. As one of the most savage and terrorist organizations of the modern era, ISIS sought to impose its extremist ideology through mass massacres, enslavement, and systematic destruction against humanity and civilization. At that time, Kobanê was besieged from all sides. Resources were limited, but there was faith in the cause, attachment to the land, and a will as strong as steel.”
The statement added: “Kobanê became a global symbol of resistance, and the battle waged there marked the true beginning of ISIS’s collapse. At the same time, the myth of the organization presenting itself as an invincible force was shattered. The first decisive steps taken in the streets of Kobanê paved the way for the liberation of the entire city and peoples from terror.
On this anniversary, we commemorate with great respect the martyrs of Kobanê who sacrificed their lives to protect all humanity; with their blood, they drew the boundaries of honor and freedom. Their sacrifice and heroism not only defended a city, but also stood for the values of coexistence, the right of peoples to self-determination, and the rejection of all forms of tyranny and extremism.”
The statement continued: “With great pride and honor, we salute the fighters of the People’s Defense Units (YPG) and the Women’s Defense Units (YPJ), who represent the highest ideals of heroism and sacrifice and proved that the organized will of the people can defeat the most brutal forces of darkness. The participation of women on the front lines delivered a revolutionary message that shattered the enslaving and patriarchal mentality ISIS sought to impose, once again proving that the liberation of society begins with the liberation of women.
We also extend our boundless gratitude and respect to our people in Rojava, Bakur, Başûr, and Rojhilat Kurdistan, to Kurdish communities in Europe, to the peoples of the world, and to the free forces that supported the defense of Kobanê politically, humanitarily, and through the media. This solidarity proved that the cause of Kobanê is truly a universal human cause.
The victory in Kobanê was not a temporary success within the context of the fight against terror; it also symbolized a historic awakening and demonstrated that extremism cannot be defeated by weapons alone, but can also be broken through a democratic project, the will of the people, and an alternative model based on justice, equality, and coexistence.”
The statement said: “Today, despite the passage of 11 years since that historic victory, Kobanê once again faces siege, bombardment, and attacks. Attempts to break the will of the people and block their democratic path continue. Nevertheless, we state clearly and decisively that enemy policies, no matter how many different tools they employ, will not be able to break the will of Kobanê or ignore its historic role.
We openly declare: just as we defeated ISIS militarily and ideologically, we promise to continue our struggle against all those who defend the ISIS mentality and seek to reproduce power, oppression, and genocide. Because the mentality that legitimizes killing, siege, and starvation is ISIS itself. Therefore, we will continue the legitimate defense of our people, our land, and our rights. We will remain faithful to the blood of the martyrs and committed to the will of resistance, and we will build a pluralistic and democratic society that guarantees honor and freedom without discrimination.”
Kobanê was never an ordinary city. It has always been a school of resistance and will remain so. It is a torch for freedom fighters and a clear message to the world that peoples who believe in the right to life and freedom cannot be defeated and will inevitably prevail.”