"The Uncertain Struggle: Syrian Kurds Face Ongoing Conflict Amid Hope and Celebration"

As northern Syria's Kurdish regions mark ten years since the siege of Kobane ended, the shadow of conflict looms larger than ever with new offensives planned by Turkey against Kurdish forces.

In January, the Kurdish residents of Kobane joyfully celebrated the ten-year anniversary of the city’s liberation from the Islamic State (IS), a milestone marked by a mix of triumph and trepidation. This community, situated in Rojava—northern Syria—has seen its autonomy challenged not only by the remnants of IS but also by ongoing military actions from Turkey, further complicating their guarded hopes for peace.

To enter the affected areas, one must cross a fragile floating bridge over the River Tigris, finding themselves amidst the oil fields that the Kurds have managed to maintain. Since gaining control in 2012 amid a civil war, the Kurdish-led administration in Rojava has persisted despite non-recognition from Bashar al-Assad's regime. With Assad’s regime collapsing in late 2024, Turkish-backed forces intensified their military operations against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which includes the Kurdish YPG as a main component, viewed as a terrorist entity by Turkey.

The historic city of Kobane, which once faced a brutal IS siege, remains under the vigilant watch of its residents—many of whom continue to guard their territories with unwavering resolve. While festivities filled the main square, memories of loss shadowed jubilations, as locals mourned the sacrifices made during the battle against IS. The memory of lives lost is evident as women, empowered during the fight, stand guard, highlighting the ethos of resilience permeating the city.

In the midst of ongoing tensions, Turkish drone strikes have targeted not just military positions but also civilians engaging in peaceful protests, underscoring the fragile realities on the ground. Reports of civilian casualties have drawn condemnation, while Turkey defends its actions against the SDF, accusing them of using human shields.

Amidst these complexities, a transitional government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa faces its challenges in forging inclusive governance while navigating alliances with both the Kurds and Turkey, who have their agendas. The SDF’s commander, Gen Mazloum Abdi, reveals that while discussions have commenced, no agreement has yet come to fruition, leaving the Kurdish regions vulnerable.

As US military support remains influential in the region, anxiety grows over potential withdrawals that could leave Kurdish territories exposed to new Turkish assaults—as fears of an IS resurgence loom large. The ongoing struggle may redefine the Kurdish presence not only in terms of military might but also regarding their political and social rights, particularly for the women who have fought equally alongside their male counterparts.

In navigating the aftermath of civil conflict and the specter of external threats, the Kurdish population stands at a critical juncture. The celebrations in Kobane may represent a moment of resilience, but the future remains precariously poised between recognition and further conflict, prompting the question of whether the Kurds will gain acknowledgment as essential players in Syria's evolving landscape, or find themselves embroiled in another existential battle.