The General Command of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) released a statement regarding the attacks by the Turkish state and its mercenaries on Kobani, saying the following:

“Syria has entered a new phase marked by the collapse of the Ba’ath regime’s authority. This collapse has created numerous vacuums within the region. The authority and regime in Damascus have undergone significant changes, leaving Syria’s future uncertain. The Turkish occupation state, which has been attacking our regions in north and eastern Syria for years, exploited this vacuum by directing its mercenaries towards the city of Manbij. There is no doubt that the Turkish occupation state, while not directly deploying its ground forces, covertly participated in the attack and through its air force.

After seizing Manbij, the Turkish occupation state aimed to capture the Tishreen Dam, the Qara Qwzaq Bridge, and eventually, the city of Kobani. This led to fierce battles and clashes. The Turkish occupation launched attacks on our fighters, employing its full military might. However, after five days of intense resistance, our fighters successfully repelled all these attacks.

Without a doubt, the Turkish occupation persists, and its latest plan is to attack the city of Kobani. The ultimate goal is to occupy all of Syrian territory and annex it to Turkey. To this end, the Turkish state is mobilizing a large number of troops and mercenaries along the border, equipping them with heavy weaponry. Daily attacks and threats are a constant reality.

The international community recognizes the Syrian Democratic Forces and its affiliated councils as a legitimate force. We have fought fierce battles against the terrorist organization ISIS, and our struggle continues. The world acknowledged our significant victory over ISIS. Paradoxically, the Turkish state seems to be avenging ISIS by attacking the very areas where it was defeated. Kobani, the city where ISIS suffered its first major setback, symbolizes the Kurdish people’s struggle for freedom and the defense of the entire region. It stands as a testament to the global fight against the threat of ISIS.

Those who once proclaimed, “Kobani is about to fall,” are now sending their mercenaries to attack the city. The SDF is resolute in our commitment to resist these attacks to the end. Just as Kobani marked the beginning of ISIS’ defeat, it will also mark the beginning of Erdoğan and his mercenaries’ downfall. The freedom fighters and our people in Kobani will deliver a historic lesson to Erdoğan and his mercenaries.

Firstly, Kurdish and Arab youth, and all our people, must recognize these dangers. To escalate this sacred resistance, they must join the ranks of the SDF. The time has come for young people to flock to the SDF, row by row. If we aspire to a future where our families and people live in safety and honor on their land, we must urgently enlist in the SDF. Through this spirit of resistance, we can secure a future of freedom and safety.

Just as our people are defending themselves in every city, neighborhood, and street, they must also support the forces defending them. Our people must therefore adopt a heightened sense of awareness and organize their lives to confront the realities of this fierce war.

We, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), call upon all the peoples of the Middle East, the world, revolutionary allies, friends, democratic figures, and freedom seekers to stand with the people of Kobani and the SDF. We urge them to honor the spirit of November 1st, which once again protected the world from the dangers of ISIS and its allies. This spirit will continue to play a crucial role in building a democratic and free Syria.”