Kobani Under Siege: Water, Power, and Supplies Cut Off Amid Turkish-Backed Assault
By Kardo Roj
KOBANI, Syria (North Press) – For more than a week, the city of Kobani in northern Syria has faced a complete blackout of electricity and water supplies, alongside severe shortages of essential goods, following the seizure of the nearby city of Manbij by Turkish-backed factions and their assault on the Tishreen Dam.
Siege Strangles Kobani
Residents in Kobani report worsening living conditions, compounded by soaring prices for basic necessities. Mohammed Haj Youssef, 55, a resident of Kobani, told North Press that the factions controlling Manbij have halted the transport of vegetables to Kobani, causing prices to skyrocket. “A kilogram of tomatoes or eggplant costs 25,000 Syrian pounds, while potatoes are selling for 15,000 pounds,” he said.
The disruption isn’t limited to food supplies. Kobani has been plunged into darkness and thirst. The local water authority confirmed on Saturday that the city has been without potable water for four days, as a result of significant damage inflicted on Tishreen Dam during clashes between Turkish-backed factions and the Manbij Military Council, affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Last week, the co-chair of the Energy Authority within the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) warned of a partial collapse of the dam due to Turkey’s repeated attacks. These warnings have now become reality, with key infrastructure critically damaged.
International Efforts to Avert Disaster
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Syria announced on Saturday that, in coordination with all parties and with assistance from the Syrian Red Crescent, they had delivered support to dam engineers for essential repairs. However, efforts to stabilize the dam remain fraught with challenges, as clashes persist.
The Tishreen Dam, located south of Kobani, is a vital source of electricity and water for the region. Any further damage could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe, cutting off resources for tens of thousands.
Economic Collapse and Market Paralysis
Beyond the immediate impact of water and electricity shortages, the siege has brought Kobani’s trade to a standstill. The road closures imposed by Turkish-backed factions have cut off Kobani from major supply routes, forcing merchants to rely on distant and costly alternatives like Raqqa. As a result, prices for everyday goods have soared.
Ali Eido, 42, another Kobani resident, highlighted the dire economic situation. “The cost of transporting goods is exorbitant, and many essential items are now unavailable. Even though the dollar exchange rate has dropped from 30,000 Syrian pounds to 10,000, prices remain high because supplies are scarce,” he said.
The economic paralysis has also dashed hopes for post-conflict recovery. “We expected things to improve after the fall of the Assad regime, especially with a direct road to Damascus opening up,” Eido said. “Instead, Kobani is under siege, and the situation is deteriorating.”
Political and Strategic Context
The ongoing crisis in Kobani is part of a broader conflict in northern Syria, where Turkish-backed factions have advanced into strategic areas following the fall of the Assad regime earlier this month. The regime’s rapid collapse, accelerated by an unexpected offensive by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) that captured Damascus, has created a volatile power vacuum across Syria.
Control of Manbij has given Turkish-backed factions a key foothold in the region, enabling them to exert pressure on Kurdish-controlled territories, including Kobani. By targeting critical infrastructure like the Tishreen Dam, these factions aim to weaken the Autonomous Administration and assert dominance in the area.
Humanitarian Consequences
The humanitarian toll is mounting, with Kobani’s population of over 100,000 people struggling to access basic services. Families are rationing water, relying on expensive private generators for electricity, and grappling with severe food shortages. Residents like Fahd Basrawi, 48, express frustration and despair. “We thought things would get better with Assad gone, but life has only become harder,” he said.
Children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable as winter sets in. Aid organizations warn that prolonged disruptions to water and electricity could lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases and exacerbate malnutrition.
Calls for Action
Local officials and humanitarian groups are calling on the international community to intervene. The Autonomous Administration has urged the United Nations and other global actors to pressure Turkey to cease its attacks on critical infrastructure and lift the siege on Kobani.
Meanwhile, residents are appealing for immediate aid. “We need urgent supplies of water, food, and medical aid,” Haj Youssef said. “Without support, our city will not survive.”
As Kobani endures its second week of siege, the situation underscores the fragility of northern Syria’s security and the devastating human cost of the ongoing conflict. The fate of Kobani and its people hangs in the balance, with urgent action needed to prevent further suffering.