Siege on Kobani city continues

The siege on Kobani has continued since January 20, despite an agreement reached on January 29 that was supposed to end the blockade by February 2. However, the siege remains in place to this day, as residents endure worsening humanitarian conditions.

On January 29, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) signed an agreement with the Syrian Interim Government stipulating a ceasefire between the two sides under a comprehensive arrangement, along with an understanding on a gradual integration process of military and administrative forces between them. The agreement also includes the withdrawal of military forces from frontline positions.

In recent weeks, several meetings were held between the Kobani administration and the governor of Aleppo to discuss the implementation of the signed agreement. However, these meetings did not lead to any practical steps toward lifting the siege or alleviating its impact on the population.

According to the terms of the January 29 agreement, the SDF returned to their barracks inside Kobani on March 2, a move intended to implement one of the key provisions of the deal. Nevertheless, this step has not translated into lifting the siege on the ground.

More than 600,000 people live in Kobani, including over 200,000 displaced individuals, all of whom are enduring harsh conditions due to continued road closures and shortages of basic supplies. Patients with chronic illnesses are particularly affected, facing significant difficulties due to the lack of medications and the absence of necessary medical supplies.

Although UN-affiliated organizations, along with the Red Cross, visited the city during the past period, these visits did not result in any concrete measures to improve the humanitarian situation or allow sufficient aid into the city.

Under mounting pressure from the Kurdish and Kurdistani public, some humanitarian aid was eventually allowed to enter the city. This included assistance sent by Kurdish donors through the Mesopotamia Relief Association. However, the aid remained insufficient and failed to meet the basic needs of the residents.

Meanwhile, factions affiliated with the Syrian Interim Government looted 74 villages surrounding Kobani during their withdrawal from the area. Around 10 villages are still under the control of these factions, preventing residents from returning to their homes.

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ANHA