Violence diminishing in Kobanê

ISIS attacks in Kobanê continue into day 107. It was reported that there has been a decrease in violent attacks across the city.

The YPG organized an attack on ISIS in Kaniya Kurda, which is located in the northeastern part of the Kobanê canton of Rojava. Two ISIS militants were reportedly killed in the clashes.

Even though ISIS continues to direct attacks with heavy weapons at the city, it was reported that violent attacks across the city of Kobanê have decreased.

There were attacks in the Rojava city of Sarî Kanî. The YPG announced that two ISIS fighters were killed in attacks close to the village of Menacîr.

(Source: http://www.imctv.com.tr/2014/12/30/60392)

At least 136 ISIS fighters killed in the last 24 hours

It was reported that at least 136 ISIS fighters have been killed in the last 24 hours during air strikes and operations in the struggle engaged against ISIS.

It has been claimed that at least 136 ISIS fighters have been killed within the last 24 hours as a result of air strikes and attacks launched in Tikrit, Jarabulus, Sinjar and Kobanê.

An operation by Iraqi military forces in Tikrit along with an air attack in Jarabulus from coalition forces led by the USA resulted in heavy ISIS losses. Meanwhile, 46 ISIS militants were killed in an attack that began and left from the defensive position of the YPG/YPJ (People's and Women's Protection Units.) The air strikes resulted in the deaths of 82 ISIS members who were in a meeting.

Kobanê

It was announced that 43 ISIS members were killed during relentless attacks lasting 12 hours, according the the YPG.

According to a written statement made by the YPG Press Center, it was announced that 43 ISIS that were killed during clashes, explaining that they were involved in organizing collective suicide attacks in the areas that have been recovered.

The Press Center also stated that it seized equipment belonging to ISIS during the continued operations and resistance.

Sinjar

"ISIS was discovered attempting to infiltrate a point that our guerilla forces found at 9pm on the night of Dec. 28" in a statement written by the general command of the Sinjar Resistance Units (YBŞ) along with the Sinjar Command of the Protection Units of the People (HPG). It was announced that 3 ISIS militants were killed here.


Jarabulus

Jet fighters attached to international coalition forces bombed the Culture and Arts Center, which was converted into the ISIS headquarters of Syria, in the city of Jarabulus. Our sources reported that during a meeting of 90 ISIS members, 82 were killed and only 8 were wounded.

Tikrit

In the Iraqi city of Tikrit, a volunteer association along with the Iraqi Army organized an artillery operation against ISIS. It was announced that 8 ISIS fighters were rendered "ineffective" resulting from the operation.

(Source: http://www.imctv.com.tr/2014/12/29/60197)

Day 104

The historic resistance in Kobane continues into day 104. The YPG/YPJ forces are liberating the city street by street.

According to a statement by the YPG Press Center, a street north of 48 St. located in the foothills of Miştenûr along with a street east of Şehit Moro St. were cleaned out of ISIS gangs.

A large number of ammunition was seized by YPG/YPJ (People's Protection Units/Women's Protection Units) in actions that killed 21 gang members.

In the Press Center statement, it announced that Kobanê City Hall and Dibistana Xensai have been liberated and cleansed of gangs.

The YPG reported that it continued its search for bodies throughout the area. A number of dead and wounded gang members were identified.

(Source: http://www.ozgur-gundem.com/index.php?haberID=123663&haberBaslik=Koban%C3%AA%20Belediyesi%20%C3%A7etelerden%20ar%C4%B1nd%C4%B1r%C4%B1ld%C4%B1&categoryName=Haber&categoryID=2&action=haber_detay&module=nuce)

Day 102

The YPG Press Center reported that 53 Daesh (ISIS) gang members were killed during actions in Kobanê and Til Hemis.

The YPG Press Center announced the results of the actions, which were carried out in Kobanê and Til Hemis.

The Press Center reported that Daesh gangs continued to launch attacks on day 101 with the goal of occupying Kobanê. "Our warriors in the YPG/YPJ are continuing in an unrelenting fashion against the gangs who are being weakened and reduced in strength," it reported.

Last night, YPG/YPJ forces organized an attack directed at gang locations in the northern part of 48 St on the southern front. the YPG reported that "the gangs suffered serious losses in the violent attacks that were carried out on 5 separate points. Sofyian St, which the gangs occupied, was recored entirely. Two vehicles and one motorcycle belonging to Daesh/ISIS gang members were sabotaged in an attack last night. 16 identified gang members were killed in the attacks."

In the announcement, it was communicated that 2 YPG/YPJ fighters lost their lives in the clashes.

The YPG Press Center reported information related to the actions that were carried out in Til Hemis:

"Four of our comrades were martyred by Daesh/ISIS gangs in the attack that was carried out on Dec 22, directed at the village of Abu Quseyb north of Til Hemis. This village fell under the control of the gangs. An operation was carried out by our fighters in and around this village during hours last night.

Our forces zeroed in on gangs who were taking position on the road from Tel Hemis to Abu Quseyb. 3 vehicles belonging to the gangs were destroyed, and 7 gang members killed were identified. Altogether 12 gang members were killed in the clashes that occurred in this area.

Our forces launched an attack together on the gangs occupying Abu Quseyb during the night. The village of Abu Quseyb was recovered from gangs following attacks which lasted until the morning hours.

18 Daesh/ISIS members were killed in the village of Abu Quseyb. 12 of our forces bodies were recovered from the gang members. Our forces seized a number of munitions and vehicles belonging to the gang members, including one Scorpion armored vehicle, one pickup truck, one Kalashnikov and 3000 bullets, 60 Kalashnikov magazines, two BKC rifles and 100 BKC bullets, 5 B7 rocket launchers and 15 rockets, 7 hand grenades, 3 walkie-talkies, 13 backpacks, and one pair of binoculars.

In this operation a total of 37 Daesh/ISIS gang members were killed."

(Source: http://www.ozgur-gundem.com/?haberID=123571&haberBaslik=Koban%C3%AA%20ve%20Til%20Hemis%E2%80%99te%2053%20%C3%A7ete%20%C3%B6ld%C3%BCr%C3%BCld%C3%BC&action=haber_detay&module=nuce)

Resistance in Kobanê: Day 100

The resistance in Kobanê continues into day 100. Two car bomb attacks were prevented as YPG and YPJ forces continued to report progress in the city.

On day 100 of the resistance in Kobanê, the YPG (People's Protection Units) and YPJ (Women's Protection Units) continue actions against ISIS.

The resistance continues on day 100 despite ISIS attacks on Kobanê which began on Sept 15. ISIS attempted to conduct 2 car bomb attacks on YPG positions around the arts/culture center, which is now under control of the YPG, in the southeastern part of the city. YPG forces destroyed both vehicles.

On Kobanê's southern front, it was reported that clashes occurred last night in various areas around Yarmuk Middle School.

It was reported that one YPG solider lost his life in clashes that occurred during the night, in a statement made by the YPG.

The Kader Ortakaya Library and Arin Mirkan Museum were opened from houses that were renovated and convereted in the village of Miseynter, that the resistance has kept under guard.

(Source: http://www.imctv.com.tr/2014/12/23/kobani-direnisi-100-gununde/)

Note: Kader Ortakaya (to whom this blog is dedicated) was a Kurdish activist from the Collective Freedom Platform and post-grad student at Marmara University. She was killed by a solider during demonstrations on the Suruç-Kobanê border.

Arin Mirkan was a fighter in the YPG who, when surrounded by ISIS troops, detonated an explosive killing herself and a number of enemies.

Resistance in Kobanê: Day 96

The resistance in Kobanê continues into day 96. Clashes on the southern front continued until the morning. The YPG stated that 33 ISIS members were killed in attacks.

On day 96 of Kobanê's resistance, the YPG/YPJ have been continuing actions against ISIS.

In a statement made by the YPG, it announced that it repelled attempted attacks of ISIS in clashes that continued until the morning.

It was announced that YPG forces organized attacks near the Art and Culture Center located in the southeastern front of Kaniyâ Kurda.

The YPG stated that 33 ISIS members were killed in these clashes.

United States: 3 Senior ISIS leaders killed.

It was announced that 3 top ISIS leaders were killed in Iraq during air attacks directed by the US.

In a statement to the Wall Street Journal, US General Martin Dempsey announced that Al-Baghdadi's assistant, Hajji Mumtaz, and three other senior commanders were killed in air attacks in the last half month against ISIS.

6 wounded people from Kobanê were taken into custody.

6 people wounded in ISIS attacks in Kobanê, who were entering Turkey through official lines, were taken into custody.

Shoulder to shoulder against ISIS

İsmail Eskin

As YPG/YPJ forces continue operations against ISIS occupation in the western villages of Sarî Kanî, Kurds, Arabs, Syriacs, Chechens and Yazidis are living together.

The fighters batallion of Şehit Mıhemed Trezan is composed of Arabs, Chechens, and Kurds. It was established by the people acting together with the YPG against ISIS gangs. The Chechen, Arab, and Kurdish battalions that we encountered in the villages of Tolan, Ömeyir,and Nuh, which YPG forces liberated 13 days earlier, are an example of this collective defense.

"There are no differences among us. We are fighting together for our land and our honor" said Xalit Çaviş, who is himself Chechen and a battalion commander who expressed that they've lived side by side with Kurdish people for years and years. Çaviş stated that it would be wrong to ask Kurds to cleanse the land of ISIS gangs alone. "It is the task of all to clean this land of these gangs," Çaviş stated. Çaviş went on to say that he saw no relationship between himself and the Chechens fighting on the side of ISIS [most of whom have traveled from Chechnya], "we are fighting for our brothers and sisters in Kobanê. We're taking strength from the historic resistance" he spoke.

"We were taught Islam from the Kurds upon arriving here" said Çaviş stating that Chechens arrived in city of Sarî Kanî in the year 1813 of the Islamic calendar. "The revolution in Rojava has increased the commitment of peoples to each other. The gangs couldn't have stoop up against this" Çaviş said, elaborating further that Chechen, Aran and Kurdish peoples have protected Sarî Kanî together. Çaviş stated that they were ready to give their lives in solidarity with the people against the tyranny of ISIS and to protect the land.

(Source: http://ozgur-gundem.com/?haberID=122601&haberBaslik=I%C5%9E%C4%B0D%E2%80%99e%20kar%C5%9F%C4%B1%20omuz%20omuza&action=haber_detay&module=nuce)

Day 94 of the resistance in Kobanê

In an announcement on day 94 of the resistance, the YPG Press Center stated that ISIS attacks have continued with the intent to occupy Kobanê. It was stated additionally that the YPG/YPJ organized operations against ISIS in the city's southeast.

The YPG Press Center announced that at least 4 people were killed by YPG/YPJ forces last night in the action directed at ISIS on the southern front near Azadi Square

A small group attempted to infiltrate positions held by the YPG/YPJ on the southern front. According the Press Center, the attempt was unsuccessful and it was stated that one ISIS member was killed here.

(Source: http://www.imctv.com.tr/2014/12/17/kobani-direnisi-94-gununde/)

Day 88: Leverage belongs to us

YPG commander Azime Deniz has said that "the leverage on three fronts belongs to us" while continuing to detail that they've moved from a two month defensive position to an offensive position. The resistance in Kobanê continues into day 88.

The YPG (People's Protection Units) and YPJ's (Women's Protection Units) resistance to ISIS continues into day 88.

ISIS members infiltration attempts around the Culture and Arts Center, in the city's southeast, were prevented by YPG forces.

YPG forces organized attacks on ISIS in the Rahbe region in the southwest and on the road to Aleppo in the city's southern area. The YPG Press Center announced that 11 ISIS members were killed in the attacks which occurred.

ISIS is continuing its mortar attacks while clashes continue on the southern and eastern fronts.

YPG commander Azime Deniz has said that it has moved from a two month defensive position, a month of active defense, into an offensive position. Deniz also said "leverage on three fronts belong to us" indicating that several points were liberated.

(Source: http://www.imctv.com.tr/2014/12/11/kobani-direnisi-88-gununde/)

Day 87: Defense of Rojava spreads

Coalition forces struck two points while continuing attacks on the city's eastern and southern fronts in day 87 of Kobanê's resistance.

The YPG (People's Protection Units) and YPJ (Women's Protection Units) are continuing resistance while ISIS attacks in Kobanê go into day 87.

It was stated that two separate attacks were organized against ISIS in the vicinities of Belediye and Sukul-Hal situated in the east of Kobanê according to an announcement made by the YPG Press Center.

Additionally, it was communicated that jet fighters belonging to coalition forces struck two more locations held by ISIS.

Attacks also occured in the city of Serê Kanî in the Rojava canton of Cizîrê. The YPG arranged an attack against ISIS close to the village of Menacîr situated to the east of Serê Kanî (Ras Al-Ayn.)

It was announced that 7 ISIS members were killed in attacks which occurred near the village of Kenâmiyê connected to Dirbesiyê by the Pirizâ region.

(Source: http://www.imctv.com.tr/2014/12/10/kobani-direnisi-87-gununde/)

Alongside Kobanê and Efrîn, Cizîrê is one of three cantons in northern Syria under the control of Kurds in what is known as Rojava (Western Kurdistan.)


During the Syrian Civil War, Cizîrê was the sight of a bloody battle between opposition forces and the Syrian regime during the summer of 2012 to the winter of 2013.

After the regime was expelled from the area the Free Syrian Army launched assaults on the Kurdish PYD (Democratic Union Party) at the end of the battle's first phase. There was a brief cease-fire where both sides were forced to withdraw.

During the second phase, fighters from al-Nusra (al-Qaeda affiliate) attempted to seize the city, forcing a trifecta of conflicts between the three groups. Turkey, clearly on any side against the Kurds, was accused of shuttling arms and equipment to both al-Nusra and the Free Syrian Army.

By January, the YPG was able to push back both rebel forces and the al-Nusra. This lead to a cease-fire mediated by both a committee on the side of Syrian opposition and parts of the Kurdish National Council. Three days after the agreement was signed, bitter disagreements forced its rejection.

During the third phase, al-Nusra forces were severely weakened, and the rebel opposition had to pull out in order to consolidate its opposition to the regime. Since Nov 2013, the Kurdish PYD and YPG have maintained control over the canton until ISIS was able to surmount a formidable attack in the summer of 2014. Since then Cizîrê has remained a somewhat contested area.

Statement from the People's Protection Units in Kobanê

The YPG has stated that 13 ISIS militants were killed, in an announcement related to ISIS attacks on day 86 of the resistance in Kobanê.

The YPG (People's Protection Units) Press Center has made a statement related to the clashes occurirng in the city and ISIS attacks on day 86.

"There were 6 ISIS gang members killed in attacks carried out in the districts of Kaniya Kurda and Sukul Hal. Our forces seized a total of one Kalashnikov rifle and one B7 rocket launcher," while detailing that attacks were directed at points previously occupied by ISIS.

The YPG announced that it was able to identify 5 ISIS members that were killed who were organizing a plot intended for the strategic hospital district, indicating that it has consolidated control over areas recovered from ISIS on the southern front.

It was expressed that the number of dead could not be identified around the village of Selîm situated 10 kilometers west of Kobanê, specifying that there was the destruction of a vehicle in actions performed against ISIS.

It was reported that 13 ISIS members were killed and one YPG member lost his life in actions taken.

(Source: http://www.imctv.com.tr/2014/12/09/kobani-direnisi-86-gununde/)

Kurdish forces gain control of three more points in Kobanê

YPG’s progress continues in the city while Kobanê’s resistance against ISIS goes on into day 85. The YPG seized control of three more points in Kobanê.

The YPG (People’s Protection Units) and YPJ (Women’s Protection Units) are continuing to record progress while the resistance against ISIS attacks continues into day 85.

YPG forces seized control of three more points in attacks which went on during the night on the southern front line. It was reported that a large number of ISIS members were killed in the attacks which occurred.

Attacks also took place on the city’s eastern and southeastern fronts.

Coalition jet fighters continue to strike ISIS targets and mobility in the area, while ISIS also continues its mortar shelling on the city.

Syrian Kurds report progress in defense of Kobanê

Small scale clashes were reported in the city’s east and south, while the resistance in Kobanê continues into day 84—YPG forces have recorded progress.

The resistance against ISIS attacks in Kobanê continues into day 84. The YPG Press Center announced that it couldn’t clarify the number of wounded and dead in the small-scale clashes that occurred on the city’s southern and eastern fronts.

The edge that the YPG and YPJ have over ISIS is increasing each day in the city.

YPG forces are continuing to direct attacks against ISIS in Cezaa, situated to the south of the border with Rojava (Western Kurdistan) and Iraq. YPG forces also organized an attack on ISIS in the village of Cididi, which is in the southern part of Cezaa.

YPG stated that it also destroyed a vehicle belonging to ISIS, while declaring that it killed 4 ISIS members in the attack.

(Source: http://www.imctv.com.tr/2014/12/07/kobani-direnisi-84-gununde/)

Day 83 of the resistance in Kobanê

YPG has expanded its control over the city of Kobanê in an important chapter in the struggle against ISIS.

The resistance in Kobanê continues into day 83.

It was detailed that attacks intensified in the city’s south and southeast neighborhoods.

The YPG and YPJ forces organized a comprehensive attack against ISIS in the neighborhood of Botana Şergı in the southeastern part of the city.

It was stated that the organization suffered heavy losses in the attack where 22 were killed.

YPG announced that 14 bodies of ISIS members were recovered—among those, an ISIS commander named Abu Hamza.

YPG prevented another attempted suicide bomb attack on 48. St in the city’s southeast.

The international coalition is continuing its air strikes against ISIS. Coalition jet fighters struck three points belonging to ISIS last night.

(Source: http://www.imctv.com.tr/2014/12/06/kobani-direnisi-83-gununde/)

Day 82 of the resistance in Kobanê

Resistance against ISIS attacks on day 82. The YPG stated that it has penetrated defensive positions in the locations of ISIS attacks.

The YPG (People's Defense Units) Press Center has made a statement related to the latest situation in Kobanê.

The YPG statement announced that it has penetrated the defensive position in the location of ISIS attacks.

In the statement, it was specified Kobanê’s eastern and southern fronts intensified attacks.

In the city’s southern district of Kaniya Kurd, it was reported that 5 ISIS members were killed.

It was also reported that violence continued on the city’s southern front. The YPG and YPJ (Women's Defense Units) have stated that 6 ISIS members were killed in clashes resulting in the response to ISIS attacks.

Mortar attacks are also continuing in the district where there are civilians left in the city. Some of the mortar shells fell across the Turkish side of the border.

Last night, fighter jets belonging to coalition forces dropped two bombs on ISIS positions.

(Source: http://www.imctv.com.tr/2014/12/05/kobani-direnisi-82-gununde/)

Day 81 of the resistance in Kobanê

Resistance to ISIS attacks on day 81 in Kobanê. YPG forces in the city’s east and south have coordinated attacks on ISIS. YPG has gained control of two more streets.

ISIS has directed attacks against the canton of Kobanê on day 81. 

YPG (People’s Protection Units) have attacked ISIS near the Culture & Art Center on 48^th St. situated in the southeastern part of Kobanê. It was detailed that the attacks continued until late at night.

Attacks were also organized against ISIS in the southern part of Kobanê. YPG forces took back two streets under the control of ISIS after violent clashes.

A number of munitions belonging to ISIS was also seized.

On the eastern front and on the border (with Turkey) clashes continued until morning. News has been circulating that there were at least 21 members of ISIS killed in attacks within the city center.

ISIS is also continuing its mortar attacks on the city’s eastern and western parts. It has been reported that mortar shells from Tıl Şeir have fallen on the village of Boyde.

Coalition forces have also continued their air attacks last night. Jet fighters struck two points belonging to ISIS in the southern and southeastern parts of the city.

(Source: http://www.imctv.com.tr/2014/12/04/kobani-direnisi-81-gununde/)

Day 80 of resistance in Kobanê

The resistance against ISIS attacks in Kobanê continues into day 80. On the city’s southern frontline, YPG forces prevented an ISIS car bomb attack.

The resistance of YPG (People’s Protection Units) and YPJ (Women’s Protection Units) is enduring while ISIS attacks on Kobanê continue into day 80.

On the eastern front of Kobanê, Kaniya Kurda, and the border line (with Turkey) ISIS has coordinated a three-point attack. ISIS eventually cleared out in its violent attacks which lasted until midnight.

There have also been attacks on the city’s southern front. During the evening yesterday, ISIS attempted to plant a car bomb in the neighborhood of Cadde. YPG and YPJ forces successfully destroyed the bomb.

YPG and YPJ organized actions against ISIS, which was en route to the village of Memite in the western part of the city. YPG Press Center stated that a total of 27 members of ISIS were killed in these attacks.

ISIS has also continued to direct mortar attacks at Kobanê’s city center.

On the other hand, coalition forces continued air strikes in the city last night. Jet fighters struck ISIS at several points in the southern and eastern parts of the city.

Likewise, even more Peshmerga forces have entered into Kobanê from Suruç (Turkey) joining Peshmerga troops who crossed over the border earlier.

(Translated from source: http://www.imctv.com.tr/2014/12/03/kobani-direnisinin-80-gunu/)