Bread of Resistance: story of man in his 60s confronting siege in Kobani

More than a decade after the Battle of Kobani against ISIS mercenaries, Saeed Ahmed Othman now in his sixties and a witness to those defining days still works at the city’s largest bakery, maintaining his role as one of its enduring symbols of steadfastness. Othman, who participated in the defense of Kobani in 2014, has never stopped baking bread and distributing it to civilians and fighters both men and women even during the most intense hours of siege and bombardment.

Othman explains that the bakery where he works currently produces around 40 tons of bread per day to meet the needs of the population. He stresses that “the spirit of resistance did not end with the battles; it is renewed every day in the life of Kobani.” He adds, “This people understand the meaning of resistance and will not let themselves down. We will continue working until full victory is achieved.”

During ISIS’s assault on the city, Othman baked and distributed bread to residents and fighters alike, believing that the bakery was not merely a place of food production, but a moral line of defense symbolizing the persistence of life amid death and destruction. Today, he continues his work with the same spirit, reaffirming that Kobani remains a symbol of resilience and that the will of its people is stronger than any challenge.

Othman notes that the residents of Kobani, in cooperation with the People’s Protection Units (YPG) and the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), succeeded in repelling ISIS attacks. “We are a resilient people,” he says, “and we will continue to protect our city despite all difficulties.”

Meanwhile, factions affiliated with the Interim Government have imposed a comprehensive siege on the city of Kobani since January 20, resulting in severe shortages of food, medicine, and infant formula, as well as a decline in electricity and water services. Urgent calls have been made to open humanitarian corridors to prevent a looming humanitarian catastrophe.

ANHA