Ekin Ada

Istanbul — Following the attacks launched by jihadists from Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham on various areas in northern and eastern Syria, including the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods, Raqqa, and many other regions, shocking images and videos documenting grave violations and war crimes spread widely. Among them were scenes of a female fighter being thrown from a building and another in the city of Raqqa having her braid cut off, sparking widespread outrage. These clips highlighted the deep psychological impact, in addition to the physical harm, caused by the assaults on civilians.

The siege of Kobani in particular, following the attacks by jihadists from Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham on various areas of northern and eastern Syria, led to a severe humanitarian crisis. With electricity, water, fuel, and food supplies largely cut off, civilians faced harsh economic and living conditions. The freezing winter weather, lack of basic necessities, and shortage of humanitarian aid directly threatened the lives of residents, especially women, children, and the elderly. Despite these conditions, the people affirmed their determination to defend their land and their achievements, while reactions and solidarity continued from across Kurdistan and various countries around the world.

Roshan Doner, a member of the Mothers for Peace Association in Istanbul, stated that the city of Kobani, which was liberated 11 years ago, still represents a symbol of resistance and continues to be targeted by attacks to this day. “The enemy has once again turned its attention toward Kobani, and it has become a problem for them. Rojava and Kobani are the red line of the Kurdish people, and we, as Kurdish mothers, will continue to defend Kobani until the end.”

“We Will Sacrifice Our Lives”

She explained that the city of Kobani represents the heart of the Kurdish people, calling on all Kurds in different regions, as well as peoples of the world, to continue defending Kobani with the same determination that has persisted over the past 11 years. “We stand with the people of Rojava until the end and will continue our struggle until the last drop of blood.”

Roshan Doner also stated that the attacks and massacres targeting Kurdish neighborhoods in the city of Aleppo came directly after the agreement reached in Paris between the United States, Israel, and Syria, with indirect participation from Turkey.

She indicated that these developments represent “a new conspiracy against the Kurds,” stressing that “the Kurdish people will sacrifice their lives in defense of their land if necessary and will never abandon their resistance.”