Kobane, one of the symbolic cities of Rojava, is facing a severe humanitarian crisis as a result of attacks launched by armed groups supported by the Syrian transitional government and the Turkish state. The process began on 6 January 2026 with occupation attacks targeting the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods of Aleppo, and soon spread to the regions of Deir Hafer, Tabqa, Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and Hasakah. As of 20 January, Kobane was placed under siege, and humanitarian conditions in the city continue to deteriorate day by day.
The majority of Kobanê’s population relies on agriculture, water wells, and livestock for their livelihood. While Kobanê has a vast rural area, the city center is a small settlement designed for a limited population and has modest infrastructure.
While thousands of villagers fleeing the attacks have been forced to seek refuge in the city center, the siege imposed by Turkey-backed groups affiliated with the transitional government continues on day 31.
In addition, many people have arrived in Kobanê from refugee camps in Tabqa, Raqqa, Ain Issa and Girê Spî. Most IDPs are living in schools, empty shops, and some even inside their vehicles. There are severe shortages, particularly in heating, shelter, and basic living necessities.
Kobanê Museum becomes a shelter
According to information provided by the Social Affairs Committee, more than 200,000 displaced people have so far arrived in Kobanê city center. These IDPs are staying in mosques, condolence houses, schools, the university, and the Kobanê Museum, which was preserved as a memory of the Kobanê resistance. All homes are fully occupied. Some displaced people have once again sought refuge in this museum, where resistance against ISIS once took place.
Due to the lack of water, electricity, and basic necessities, the situation of the IDPs has reached a dangerous level. Many children have been poisoned after drinking water from wells. These people, who escaped with their lives from attacking groups, cannot even find a place to sleep. Although the people of Kobanê are trying to help within their means, the assistance provided remains extremely limited.
Winter conditions are further worsening the situation. Displaced people staying in schools and large halls are struggling due to the harsh winter. Because of water cuts and snowfall, people are melting snow to obtain drinking water. With the arrival of the month of Ramadan, the complete depletion of basic supplies has made the situation even more dangerous for the displaced.
‘Kobanê is in a severe crisis’
Ferhan Hec Îsa, Co-Chair of the Euphrates Canton Executive Council, stated in remarks to ANF that the situation is becoming increasingly critical:
“Kobanê is in a severe crisis. It is under siege from all sides, and all basic necessities have been cut off. A wave of displacement from dozens of villages and settlements has moved toward Kobanê. Electricity, water, internet, and all other services have been cut. Although partial electricity is being supplied through the efforts of the Energy Authority, long outages continue. Electricity reaches the water stations and water is partially supplied to the city, but this does not mean the siege has been lifted.
Goods entering the city arrive through smuggling and informal routes. High sums of money are demanded for these goods at militia checkpoints. Vegetables and other necessities are sold to the public at extremely high prices.”
Ferhan also drew attention to the fuel issue, stating that 22 tankers of diesel had reached the city. Most of this fuel was distributed to hospitals, bakeries, and essential institutions. Although the remaining fuel should have amounted to 13 liters per household, 25 liters were distributed, and redistribution would be carried out once roads reopen in the coming days.
All supplies cut off during Ramadan
Concluding his remarks, Ferhan said: “It is a disgrace that Kobanê is still under heavy siege. We call on the relevant parties to lift the siege immediately. The month of Ramadan is here. All supplies have been cut off. How are people supposed to fast?”
The situation of hospitals
There are six hospitals in Kobanê, two of which are private. The number of patients is steadily increasing. The number of seriously ill patients across the six hospitals has reached 9,051, while the total number of patients is reported to have exceeded 30,000. Seventeen kidney patients are in critical condition; they must undergo dialysis eight times a month. Due to medication shortages, their lives are at risk. So far, 136 dialysis sessions have been carried out. Some patients living in villages cannot reach the city due to fuel shortages.
Miştenûr Hospital includes departments for obstetrics and gynecology, diabetes, hypertension, pediatrics, and psychological support. However, due to the siege, the lives of diabetes, hypertension, and heart patients are at serious risk. Medicines are nearly exhausted. The diesel crisis continues; generators may go out of service due to a lack of fuel.
The situation of bakeries
There are two bakeries in central Kobanê and three in the villages. The city bakery produces between 27,000 and 30,000 loaves of bread daily. Approximately 4 tons of diesel are used daily for two generators. There are 100 employees and around 24 tons of flour are distributed daily. Authorities warn that if the current situation continues, the bakeries may shut down within a week.
The state of education
There are 72,000 students across the Euphrates Canton. Due to the siege and the allocation of schools to displaced people, students have been deprived of education. There are a total of 572 schools and 4,190 educational staff in the canton. Education was provided in Arabic and Kurdish as mother tongues.
The first term ended on 15 January, and the second term had been scheduled to begin on 25 January. Due to the attacks, all students have remained out of school. The Education Committee announced that schools will remain closed until the siege is lifted and security is ensured in the region.
All basic necessities completely cut off
Since the beginning of the siege, all basic necessities in the city have been cut off. Vegetables and other products can only enter the city through smuggling routes and at extremely high prices. It is reported that around 1,500 dollars are taken from each truck at HTS checkpoints.
People determined to resist
Despite the siege, the people of Kobanê continue their resistance. Every resident, young and old alike, states that they are determined to defend their city and villages.
Leave a Reply