Kobani…siege continues, supplies insufficient, prices are high

Officials and merchants in Kobani explained that the city is living under a suffocating siege, stressing that the vegetables that enter it are not enough to meet the needs of the people, and because they enter through unofficial channels through bribery, they are also sold at exorbitant prices.

SOCIETY - LIFE

14 February, 2026 10:58

KOBANI

Since the start of the attacks by the Turkish-backed Syrian Interim Government factions against Rojava and other areas of NE Syria, the city of Kobani has been under a suffocating siege, despite the agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Interim Government. Residents there face daily suffering and immense hardship under these circumstances.

In this context, Sawsan Daban, co-chair of the Economy and Agriculture Body in Kobani, and trader Muhammad Daoud spoke to ANHA agency about the severe siege imposed on the city and the vegetables entering Kobani through unofficial routes.

Sawsan Daban explained that Kobani has been under a tight siege for 26 days, saying, "Vegetables and basic necessities are unavailable in Kobani. We in the Economy and Agriculture Body are trying to bring some vegetables into the city—basic vegetables that the people need."

She added, "We tried to bring in some vegetables through unofficial channels, but the population of Kobani exceeds 500,000, and these quantities are insufficient. Vegetables are scarce, and because they are smuggled in and subject to exorbitant fees, they are sold at inflated prices."

Daban pointed out that residents in the western and eastern Kobani countryside are also trying to bring in vegetables through unofficial channels. She continued, "Some traders are also bringing vegetables through unofficial routes, but they are forced to pay exorbitant fees along the way to reach Kobani. Therefore, the siege must be lifted so that the people can live in safety.

For his part, trader Mohammed Daoud, who has been working in the vegetable trade in Kobani for 45 years, explained: “Kobani is under siege. Vegetables reach us from Aleppo, Al-Bab, and Manbij through unofficial routes. When traders bring vegetables, they face obstacles on the way, as each large truck is charged $1,200. For this reason, the vegetables that enter Kobani are sold at exorbitant prices, which makes it impossible for people to buy them.”

Sh-S

ANHA