Peregraf – The Kurdish Red Crescent has issued an urgent appeal to humanitarian organizations and the United Nations, represented by UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih, warning of a catastrophic humanitarian situation in Kobani amid an ongoing siege and military campaign.
In its announcement, the Kurdish Red Crescent said Kobani and its surrounding countryside have been under a suffocating blockade imposed by armed factions affiliated with the transitional government in Damascus. Despite a declared ceasefire, water, fuel, and essential food supplies remain cut off, forcing large numbers of families to flee into the city, where many are sleeping outdoors or in their vehicles. Internet and communication services have also been severed, further isolating civilians.
The organization warned that the situation evokes painful memories of the Islamic State’s siege of Kobani and urged Barham Salih to intervene immediately and fulfill his humanitarian and moral responsibilities toward the city and its people.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis has expanded to Qamishlo, where hundreds of displaced Kurdish families are reportedly sheltering in mosques following attacks on Kurdish areas by Damascus-affiliated militias. Local sources say the families are living in dire conditions and urgently need food, heating, blankets, and medical supplies, with women and children making up a large proportion of those affected.
Residents noted that many of these families have been displaced repeatedly over the past 15 years due to continued instability in Rojava. In response, several aid campaigns have been launched across the Kurdistan Region to collect humanitarian assistance for delivery to Rojava in the coming days.
Barham Salih has faced growing criticism on Kurdish streets for the lack of immediate aid to displaced families in Rojava. Commenting on the situation, Salih said, “We are monitoring the situation, and we hope it ends peacefully.”