Kurdish Red Crescent urges UN, aid groups to act on Kobani crisis
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Kurdish Red Crescent in the city of Kobani, northern Syria, issued on Friday an urgent appeal to humanitarian organizations and the United Nations over what it described as deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the city and its surrounding countryside.
In a statement, the organization said that Kobani and its rural areas “have been subjected for days to a military campaign and a suffocating siege by government forces,” adding that despite the announcement of a ceasefire, “the blockade is still ongoing, and the entry of basic life necessities continues to be prevented by these factions.”
The statement added: “Water, fuel, and basic food supplies have been cut off from the city, which has led to the displacement of a large number of families into the city itself, where many are forced to sleep in the open or inside their cars. Recently, internet service and means of communication have also been cut off from the city.”
The Kurdish Red Crescent said the humanitarian situation had become “catastrophic,” expressing hope that international humanitarian organizations would intervene immediately and “fulfill their humanitarian duty toward the city and its residents.”
Local sources in Kobani told North Press that shortages of bread and fuel have worsened in recent days, while medical facilities are operating with limited supplies. Municipal and emergency teams affiliated with the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) have been working to provide temporary shelter and distribute available aid to displaced families, according to the same sources.
Kobani, a predominantly Kurdish city near the Syrian-Turkish border, was a focal point in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) and remains under the security control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Humanitarian organizations operating in northeast Syria have repeatedly warned that restrictions on movement and supply routes can quickly exacerbate civilian suffering, particularly during the winter months when access to heating fuel and food staples becomes critical.
The Kurdish Red Crescent said it had shared its appeal with relevant international bodies and relief agencies and was awaiting responses regarding possible emergency assistance and assessment missions to the city.
No immediate response had been issued by UN agencies by the time of publication. Local authorities said coordination with humanitarian partners would continue in the coming days to facilitate aid delivery should access routes reopen.