KNK pointed out that the Rojava Revolution, which started on July 19, 2012, gained a new dimension with Kobanê: “Kobanê is the first spark of the Rojava Revolution and the flag of freedom against the occupying forces. The victory won against ISIS on January 26, 2015 with the solidarity of the Kurdish people and their friends is a victory of human dignity. This historic achievement is not only a military victory, but also a victory of struggle achieved through the unity and determination of the Kurdish people.”
Stressing that the victory in Kobanê was the first big step in the collapse of ISIS, KNK said: “The Kobanê Resistance went down in the pages of history as the first major defeat of ISIS. This victory was made possible by the joint efforts of the Kurdish people and Rojava revolutionaries. The freedom struggle that started in Kobanê led to the liberation of many regions, including Raqqa, which ISIS had declared as its capital. In this process, the sacrifices of the YPG and YPJ, the solidarity of the Kurdish people from all four sides and the support of international democratic forces made the victory possible.”
The statement pointed out that Rojava is still facing threats of occupation today and Turkey is targeting Rojava with direct or indirect attacks: “After the defeat of ISIS, the Turkish state directly targeted Rojava. Regions such as Afrin, Girê Spî and Serêkaniyê are clear examples of Turkey’s occupation policies. Today, Kobanê and the surrounding Tishrin Dam area are under attack. However, it should not be forgotten that to defend Rojava is to defend not only the Kurdish people but also the common values of humanity.”
KNK emphasized that today it is more important than ever to protect the gains of the Rojava Revolution and said: “The spirit of resistance rising from Kobanê is the hope of Kurdistan and humanity for freedom. The gains of the Rojava Revolution must be protected and the Kobanê resistance must always be remembered. As was the case 10 years ago, today we call on our people, our friends and all humanity to defend Rojava. On this occasion, we once again celebrate the anniversary of the Kobanê Victory and the establishment of the Rojava cantons.”
The General Command of the YPG (People’s Defense Units) released a statement on the 10th Anniversary of the Liberation of Kobane, saying the following:
“Today, we solemnly commemorate the 10th anniversary of the liberation of Kobane, a defining moment in the global fight against ISIS. In 2015, after enduring months of relentless and heroic resistance, the forces of the YPG and YPJ, together with our allies and the people of Rojava, achieved a historic victory by expelling ISIS from Kobane. At a time when ISIS cast a dark shadow over the region and the world, spreading terror and launching attacks on multiple countries, the victory in Kobane marked a turning point. It was a defense not only of Rojava but also of Kurdistan, the Middle East, and the world against one of the greatest threats of our time.
Kobane’s liberation was more than a military triumph; it became a profound symbol of resistance, unity, and the enduring spirit of the Kurdish people and the diverse communities of Northeast Syria. The city stood as a front line in the battle between humanity’s aspirations for freedom and dignity and the forces of tyranny and terror. During the siege, ISIS exploited the Turkish border to smuggle fighters and arms, with evidence pointing to Turkey’s complicity in enabling their aggression. Despite these challenges, Kobane became the graveyard of ISIS’ invincibility, demonstrating that solidarity, determination, and the collective struggle of our people could defeat even the most brutal of enemies.
As we celebrate this historic day, we cannot ignore the ongoing threats that echo the challenges of the Kobane siege. The Turkish state’s current attacks on Tishreen and Qaraqozakh continue to destabilize our region, creating conditions that enable the resurgence of ISIS. By targeting civilian areas, infrastructure, and the security of our communities, these aggressions aim to undo the hard-fought gains achieved through the sacrifices of tens of thousands of martyrs. Such actions not only undermine regional stability but also threaten the very principles of justice and humanity that the resistance of Kobane represents. We call upon the international community, all organizations, and nations who once stood with us against ISIS to take a clear and resolute stance against these provocations.
On this anniversary, we honor and remember the martyrs of Kobane, whose sacrifices illuminated the path to victory and inspired a broader struggle for freedom and justice. Their legacy compels us to continue this journey with unwavering resolve, protecting the ideals for which they gave their lives.”