Problems are mounting for civilians in Kobanê as the resistance to ISIS attacks continues for a 68th day. In addition to ISIS attacks winter has set in, forcing civilians to return to the city.

Civilians in the Tel Shair area have returned to the city of Kobanê on account of attacks by ISIS and pressure from Turkish soldiers. 70-year-old Mislim said: “They shot at us and fired mortars. We had to come here. Turkish soldiers were also saying ‘fire’ to make us leave.”

'Thankfully, we have the comrades'

Mislim said around 40 civilians had returned to the city from the Tel Shair area, adding: "We were in a wretched state. Thankfully, the comrades look after us, giving us bread, sugar and tea. Hopefully we will win and our property will not be lost.”

‘We will not abandon our friends’

60-year-old Sedige said that possessions were not important, adding: “We will not abandon our friends. This is not our house, but the comrades told us to stay here. We were out in the cold and the rain so the comrades told us to come here. There was constant mortar fire. Many people died. Some had to flee to Turkey. Hopefully we will get rid of the gangs.”

‘We left everything behind’

A woman by the name of Sorî Ehmed said that they were in a bad situation, adding: "We left our house and our possessions behind. We have lots of children but they have no clothes and I have no soap to wash them. We left everything behind.”