In a statement on the tenth anniversary of the liberation of Kobanê, KNK drew attention to the current occupation attacks and stressed that, “To defend Rojava is to defend humanity.”
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.”
