Fighting back against ISIS in Kobani | Unreported World

Summary

The video takes viewers inside the besieged city of Kobani, where Kurdish fighters battle ISIS forces. The film follows the destruction of the city, the daily struggles of its residents, and the resilience of those defending it. From the frontline to makeshift cemeteries and makeshift hospitals, the footage captures the impact of airstrikes, suicide bombings, and intense house-to-house fighting. Despite overwhelming odds, the Kurds persist in their efforts to reclaim their city, supported by international airstrikes. The video highlights the sacrifices made, the devastation suffered, and the unyielding spirit of the Kurdish fighters and civilians.

Takeaways

• 😀 The city of Kobani was under siege by ISIS, with intense fighting and constant explosions throughout the morning.
• 😀 Kurdish forces, supported by American airstrikes, were engaged in house-to-house fighting to protect their city from ISIS.
• 😀 The frontlines in Kobani were marked by destruction, with ISIS holding one-third of the city and Kurdish forces controlling the remaining two-thirds.
• 😀 Many Kurdish fighters, including women, were involved in the battle to defend Kobani, with hundreds already killed during the siege.
• 😀 Local civilians, including children, were actively involved in the war effort, helping with tasks like carrying building materials for the dead.
• 😀 The destruction caused by ISIS was widespread, with many homes rigged with booby traps, making it dangerous to move through certain areas.
• 😀 Despite the destruction, one school remained open, where children were being taught Kurdish, a language banned under the Assad regime.
• 😀 Doctors at the remaining hospital in Kobani were overwhelmed, treating both fighters and civilians injured by ISIS attacks, including suicide car bombs.
• 😀 The Kurdish Red Crescent was essential in distributing medical supplies and assisting civilians living in makeshift camps along the Turkish border.
• 😀 Women fighters, such as the 19-year-old Barrett, were crucial to the defense, with some ISIS fighters specifically fearing female Kurdish soldiers.
• 😀 After months of fighting, Kurdish forces were able to regain control of key areas, including Missionor Hill, marking a significant victory in the battle for Kobani.

Q & A

What was the situation in Kobani when the reporters arrived?

When the reporters arrived in Kobani, the city was under siege by ISIS, and explosions were happening continuously. The Kurdish forces were fighting house-to-house to defend the city, while airstrikes from the U.S. and its allies were ongoing. The Kurdish forces controlled two-thirds of the city, with ISIS controlling the remaining part.

What was the state of the infrastructure and civilian areas in Kobani?

The infrastructure in Kobani was severely damaged. Many buildings were destroyed by airstrikes or left rigged with booby traps by ISIS. The few remaining buildings and houses were either abandoned or destroyed, with many of the city’s residents having fled or died in the conflict.

How were the Kurdish fighters coping with casualties?

The Kurdish fighters were deeply affected by the casualties, with many burying their fallen comrades in makeshift cemeteries. The fighters and even children participated in this process, as hundreds of fighters, including civilians, had already died during the siege.

What role did women play in the Kurdish resistance in Kobani?

Women played a crucial role in the Kurdish resistance. About a third of the Kurdish fighters on the frontlines were women. One of the young fighters, Barrett, shared her experience of fighting alongside her sisters, contributing significantly to the defense of the city.

What was the impact of ISIS attacks on the local population?

ISIS attacks, especially through suicide car bombs, caused numerous civilian casualties. The local population was severely affected, with many people suffering from injuries, loss of family members, and living in dire conditions. There were shortages of medical supplies, and some civilians had to live in makeshift shelters.

How were the hospitals in Kobani affected by the conflict?

The hospitals in Kobani were severely affected by the conflict, with most medical centers destroyed by ISIS. The last remaining hospital was overwhelmed with casualties and running out of drugs. Doctors were operating with limited resources, treating both fighters and civilians under harsh conditions.

What challenges did the Kurdish Red Crescent face in delivering aid?

The Kurdish Red Crescent faced multiple challenges in delivering aid, including a shortage of fuel, dangerous roads, and the constant threat of ISIS targeting vehicles. Despite these risks, they managed to bring medical supplies to the civilians, often using supplies scavenged from bombed-out buildings and abandoned pharmacies.

What were the conditions like for the displaced civilians near the Turkish border?

Displaced civilians near the Turkish border were living in extremely poor conditions, often in their cars or tractors. These people had fled from villages south of Kobani, escaping ISIS, but they were still close to the conflict. Despite the harsh conditions, many civilians chose not to cross into Turkey, hoping to return to their homes one day.

What strategy did the Kurdish fighters use to reclaim territory from ISIS?

The Kurdish fighters used a combination of ground tactics and airstrikes to reclaim territory from ISIS. One of the key objectives was regaining control of the strategic Mishtonor Hill, which had been a key position for ISIS. The battle for this hill was intense, but the Kurds managed to push back ISIS forces and retake it after four months of fighting.

What does the outcome of the battle for Kobani signify in the larger context of the Syrian conflict?

The outcome of the battle for Kobani signified a major defeat for ISIS, showing that the group was not invincible and could be pushed back with the right support. However, ISIS still controlled large areas of Syria and Iraq, indicating that the fight against the jihadist group was far from over. The Kurdish victory in Kobani was a symbolic and strategic win, but the broader conflict continued.