Entry #1 01/26/2015

Kobani falls: Kurds take strategic city from ISIS

Jan 26th, 2015
By: Johnny Yu
CNN News

ISIS loses battle for Kobani

Kurdish soldiers have won the Syrian city of Kobani from ISIS after 112 days of fighting. The announcement was heard one day after the Iraq's Diyala Province's "libation" from the ISIS. Idriss Nassan, Kobani's deputy foreign minister, told CNN that YPG is currently in control of the situation, and they are making sure to clear Kobani from ISIS and declare it a free city. YPG spokesman Polat Can also confirmed the news with a tweet to congratulate all Kobanians of the libration. A Kobani official who did not want to be named, said the Kurds were going house to house in the newly librated area to check for traps. Once they are removed, the residents will be able to return to their homes. According to London-based opposition group, since October 6th, YPG and the rebel battalions backing YPG has killed 979 ISIS combatants. The dedication of soldiers fighting against ISIS made the libration of Kobani happen, and brought thousands people's homes back.

Iraqi victory claimed over ISIS in Diyala

A large-scale military operation to reclaim Iraq's Diyala Province from ISIS was successful. The operation began last week, but there were already 58 casualties, including two journalists. And about 300 others were wounded. Al-Amiri, the head of the a powerful Shiite militia, said that Iraqi security forces are searching for ISIS militants who escaped into orchards and farms in remote areas.


My own opinions

It is good to see the city of Kobani, which was under the terror of ISIS for a long time, gets liberated. This not only gave Kobani's residents their homeland back, it also taught the terrorists a lesson so they would think twice before performing harmful acts to a city, a country, and innocent citizens. Through this act of libration, the government of Kobani also showed their people that they are trustworthy and reliable. I am also impressed by the efficiency of Kurdish soldiers, who took over the whole city within 112 days of fighting with a fully armed terrorist organization. Even after they took over the city, instead of taking a break, they immediately went searching and disabling booby traps so that the residents of Kobani could get to their homes as soon as possible. This impressed me a lot, and I think the people of Kobani are also greatful for their act, too.