As is widely known, West Kurdistan (Rojava) is currently facing a large-scale genocidal attack. This offensive is occurring with the acquiescence of international and regional actors and follows the plans of the Turkish state under the leadership of Erdoğan. The groups now operating under the names al-Amshad, al-Hamzat, Sultan Murat, and Nureddin Zengi, which maintain close ties to the Turkish state, previously attacked the city of Kobani in 2014 under the banner of the “Islamic State.” It was only through the extraordinary resistance of the Kurdish population that Kobani was liberated at that time.
Today, amid renewed attacks on Rojava, Kobani again stands at the center of these forces. A major assault is reportedly being prepared on the anniversary of the city’s liberation. The shutdown of electricity, water, and internet in the city is a clear sign of these preparations and is also being used to suppress information. Despite an officially declared ceasefire, Turkish-supported groups continue attacks on Sirrin, Cade, Qube, and Hemdaş. The siege of Kobani indicates that a large-scale offensive is imminent.
At the same time, another major attack on the city of Hesekê is taking shape. Armed groups allied with Erdoğan and al-Jolani are threatening civilians. In the al-Xawer district, detention facilities hold approximately 6,000 ISIS members. HTS groups are openly threatening to free these prisoners, while significant military preparations are underway on the ground. The release of these detainees would severely destabilize security in Hesekê and the wider region.
Meanwhile, the United States has begun transferring some ISIS detainees from northeastern Syrian facilities to Iraq, reportedly to prevent large-scale security risks. Up to 7,000 prisoners could be relocated in this way. The combination of attacks on detention facilities, political instability, and ongoing transfers of prisoners is intensifying the security situation and posing a serious threat to civilians.
Most residents of Hesekê are people who fled earlier ISIS attacks and those of its allies—from Afrin, Shahba, Manbij, and Aleppo. The city also serves as a refuge for many Yazidi and Christian communities who suffered significant losses during previous ISIS attacks. At that time, a major catastrophe was prevented only through the resistance of the YPG and YPJ. Today, these communities are once again threatened with physical and cultural destruction, as are the indigenous residents of Hesekê.
International forces also bear responsibility for this situation. Despite a supposed ceasefire, attacks continue unabated. Should ISIS detainees be released, the consequences would be unstoppable. We therefore issue an urgent call to all of humanity, to international organizations and institutions, and to all of Kurdistan: If we do not raise our voices today, this fire will consume everyone.
The situation in detention centers around Raqqa remains tense. In prisons such as al-Aqtan, which hold around 2,000 ISIS members from various countries, armed groups, particularly HTS militias supported by Turkey, are attempting to free the prisoners. The SDF is resisting to prevent escapes.
At the same time, the United States is relocating parts of the ISIS detainee population from northeastern Syrian facilities to Iraq, reportedly to mitigate major security risks. Up to 7,000 prisoners could be transferred in this way. The combination of attacks on detention centers, political instability, and ongoing relocations is worsening the security situation and posing a serious threat to civilians.
Previous attacks have targeted civilians, destroyed homes, displaced populations, and killed women and children. Women in the hands of these groups are subjected to inhumane treatment and public humiliation. Such crimes clearly demonstrate the barbaric mentality of these groups.
Women remain a primary target of these attacks. The violence and humiliation suffered by detained women make it clear that determined resistance is essential. History bears witness to the heroic resistance of the YPJ against forces that sought to destroy humanity. Today, the same forces, with modern technology, large numbers of fighters, and international support, are attacking these hard-won values. Yet through their actions, they reveal above all their own cowardice and impotence.
This attack is an assault on the dignity and honor of all women. Therefore, we call on all women whose hearts ache and whose anger has been stirred to unite their strength. Today is a day of unity—for every woman, for every child enduring the harsh conditions of displacement, against demographic change, and against physical and cultural genocide.
We call on all humanity to join the mobilization for Rojava.
Kongra Star Coordination
21-01-2026
