News Center — On the occasion of the eleventh anniversary of the liberation of the city of Kobani from ISIS, the Women’s Protection Units emphasized, through a statement, the symbolic significance of this day in the history of resistance, and the continuation of women’s struggle to defend the gains of freedom and democracy in Rojava.

The General Command of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) issued a written statement today, Monday, January 26, published on its official website, stating:

“Kobani is a symbol of the determination and faith of a people who love freedom. The resistance waged in the streets of Kobani changed the fate of many. The struggle of Kobani insisted on a free and dignified life. Through its historic resistance, Kobani has become a beacon of hope for days of freedom for all humanity.”

The statement added:

“Kobani remained under a suffocating siege for months and was attacked by ISIS mercenaries in the most brutal ways. Despite all the atrocities committed by ISIS, epic acts of heroism were written in every street of Kobani, led by the fighters of the Women’s Protection Units and supported by our people.”

The statement pointed out that:

“Today, the same jihadist mentality that does not recognize the existence of women in any sphere of life has returned to attack all of Rojava, and Kobani in particular, through its mercenaries. These attacks constitute a serious threat to the lives and security of our people. Whatever the objectives of the attacks in 2015 were, they still carry the same goals today. They seek to subject our people once again to genocide through these attacks.”

It stressed that:

“Our people have paid a heavy price for their freedom. The great victory in Kobani was achieved on January 26, 2015, thanks to the steadfastness of our heroic people. Therefore, in the face of these attacks targeting the achievements and will of our people, victory can only be achieved through the spirit of popular revolutionary struggle. Accordingly, we call on all our people to unite around the achievements of the revolution and stand together in defense of our existence and will, in the spirit of national unity.”

The Women’s Protection Units commemorated the martyrs Arin, Rêvana, Kelehat, Herdem, Evîna, Sarya Ozgur, and all the martyrs of the Rojava Revolution, pledging “to fulfill the dreams of the new martyrs. The spirit of Kobani’s resistance will guarantee our victory.”