As Turkish-backed mercenaries and HTS and ISIS militias are continuing their attacks on Kobanê, the siege on the city is now in its 11th day. While thousands of people displaced from Afrin, Raqqa, Shehba, and Tabqa have sought refuge in Kobanê in recent weeks, the siege is accompanied by water, electricity, and internet outages across the city.
Cîhan Xelîl, the person in charge of the Maternity Hospital in Kobanê, spoke to ANHA about the impact of the siege on the hospital.
Cîhan Xelîl reported that there are eight babies currently in incubators at the hospital as electricity has been completely cut off in the city.
Within the next few days, oxygen will be completely depleted
Emphasizing the urgent need for oxygen at the hospital, Cîhan Xelîl said: “At the moment, there are only two oxygen pumps. Within the next few days, oxygen will be completely depleted. This poses a serious threat to the lives of these babies. Milk and medicines are also running out. Medical supplies are not allowed into the city. In the past, when the incubator unit was full, we would transfer babies to other hospitals in the city. However, since oxygen has also run out in those hospitals, this is currently the only hospital accepting critical cases.”
Thousands of children in the city are also experiencing severe hardship
Stating that there is a severe threat to the lives of babies who need oxygen, Cîhan Xelîl said: “The hospital receives around 10 children every day who require incubators and oxygen. Within at most one week, oxygen will be completely depleted. This means the lives of babies who need it will be in danger.”
Not only the children and babies in the hospital, but also thousands of children in the city are also experiencing severe hardship because they cannot access water, electricity, and basic necessities.
Urgent call
Addressing international health organizations and institutions defending children’s rights, Cîhan Xelîl made the following call: “Before a silent massacre of babies takes place, the siege must be lifted immediately. The entry of medicine, fuel, oxygen, and medical supplies into the city must be ensured. The people are facing a catastrophe. Not only the children in incubators, but thousands more children are suffering because of the siege.”